EU Prepares Response to Looming US Tariffs

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that the bloc still hopes for a “negotiated solution” to the US tariffs set to take effect this week but warned that “all instruments are on the table” to retaliate if necessary. “We are open to negotiations,” the European Commission president told a European Parliament session, “but we have a strong plan to retaliate if necessary.”

US President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new set of tariffs against multiple countries as early as Tuesday night, describing it as a “Liberation Day” to address what he claims are unfair trade imbalances. Von der Leyen stated that the EU would carefully assess the announcements before determining its response.

“We will assess tomorrow’s announcements carefully to calibrate our response,” she said, adding that she had been consulting with EU leaders on the “next steps.” The European Commission, which oversees the 27-nation bloc’s trade policy, has been leading discussions with the United States in an effort to prevent a trade war.

“Europe has not started this confrontation,” von der Leyen emphasized. “Our objective is a negotiated solution. But of course, if need be, we will protect our interests, our people, and our companies.” She assured lawmakers that Europe would respond with “unity and determination.”

Trump’s aggressive tariffs strategy has raised concerns about a global trade war, with major trading partners like China, Canada, and the European Union considering retaliatory measures. The uncertainty has already unsettled global markets.

The EU has been hit by multiple US tariff announcements since Trump returned to office in January, including a 25-percent levy on auto imports that will take effect on Thursday. These measures have increased tensions between Washington and Brussels.

Additionally, the European steel and aluminum industries have suffered from a 25-percent US tariff imposed on global imports. In response, Brussels has already promised countermeasures, which are set to begin in mid-April.