EU Warns of Retaliation as Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
The European Union is bracing for a fresh round of trade tensions with the United States after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports — doubling the previously proposed 25% rate.
In a statement released Monday, the European Commission expressed strong regret over the proposed tariff hike, warning that it undermines efforts to reach a negotiated resolution. The Commission indicated it may accelerate retaliatory measures if the U.S. follows through on the escalation.
“The Commission strongly regrets this development, which is detrimental to constructive dialogue,” said Commission Spokesman Olof Gill during a press briefing in Brussels.
According to the information EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a team of EU officials is en route to Washington for technical-level discussions aimed at defusing tensions.
The tariff threat comes as part of President Trump’s broader efforts to bolster U.S. domestic steel production and support Nippon Steel’s controversial acquisition of U.S. Steel — a deal that has drawn both praise and criticism from lawmakers and industry stakeholders.
The EU has hinted that if diplomatic efforts fail, it stands ready to act quickly to defend its economic interests. Past responses have included counter-tariffs on U.S. goods such as motorcycles, whiskey, and orange juice.
The outcome of this week’s discussions could be pivotal in determining whether the U.S. and EU will avert a renewed trade conflict or spiral into another round of economic retaliation.
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