EU plans payback for Trump’s steel trade rules

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The European Union delivered a defiant response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of steel and aluminium import tariffs, with top officials vowing to retaliate against the measures.

Leading the charge, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong opposition to Trump’s decision. “I deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports,” she stated. “Unjustified tariffs on the E.U. will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures. The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers.”

The sweeping tariffs, signed into law by Trump on Monday, will impose a 25 percent levy on all steel and aluminium imports without any exemptions. A White House representative confirmed the measures would become effective from March 4, despite international opposition.

The European Commission said it would react to protect EU interests after President Trump’s announcement of impending metals tariffs.

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Trump’s plan to impose new 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum boosted share prices of US producers in premarket trading. pic.twitter.com/LK0wFslZK2

— NTD Television (@TelevisionNTD) February 10, 2025

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized European unity in the face of these trade restrictions, stating the E.U. would respond as a cohesive bloc and leverage its position as “the largest market in the world.”

The E.U.’s trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, criticized the tariffs as economically damaging for all parties involved. “By imposing tariffs, the U.S. will be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for its own business, and fuelling inflation,” he declared during an address to the E.U. parliament in Strasbourg, France.

French President Emmanuel Macron also joined the chorus of European leaders opposing the move, suggesting in a recent interview that American trade measures would be better directed at China rather than European allies.

The EU vowed to respond to tariffs President Trump said the US will impose on steel and aluminum imports, escalating a potential trade dispute with one of Washington’s closest allies, as @ocrook explains https://t.co/g3opOvgmSr pic.twitter.com/6vhSGqUsY6

— Bloomberg (@business) February 11, 2025

The impact of these tariffs could be significant, as European steel manufacturers currently export approximately 25 percent of their production to the United States, according to Roland Berger consultancy data.

Adding to the tension, Trump has suggested the possibility of implementing additional tariffs on various sectors, including automobiles, pharmaceutical products, and semiconductor chips.