EU Vows Countermeasures After Trump Threatens 30% Tariffs on Imports

The European Union has warned it will respond with retaliatory measures if the Trump administration moves forward with plans to impose 30 percent tariffs on EU imports next month.

Following high-level meetings in Brussels on Monday, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic declared Washington’s threat “absolutely unacceptable.” He said the 27-member bloc is eager to avoid a trade conflict but will act if needed.

“I’m absolutely 100 percent sure that a negotiated solution is much better than the tension we might have after August 1,” Sefcovic told reporters. “But we must be prepared for all outcomes.”

EU Readies $24.5 Billion in Retaliatory Tariffs

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the EU has outlined counter-tariffs targeting $24.5 billion worth of US goods. Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, emphasized that the bloc remains united and ready to act.

“The EU remains ready to react, and that includes robust and proportionate countermeasures if required,” Rasmussen said.

The warning follows Trump’s announcement over the weekend of potential new import duties as part of his broader “America First” economic strategy. His move has triggered alarm across European political and business sectors.

Economic Fallout Already Felt in Europe

The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, which represents major US companies operating in Europe, criticized the plan, saying it could create “damaging ripple effects across all sectors” of both economies.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Trump’s proposed duties would “hit the German export industry to the core.”

The announcement also affected financial markets. On Monday, European stocks dropped, with auto and alcohol manufacturers among the hardest hit.

Trump Signals Openness to Talks—But Pressure Mounts

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he remains open to negotiations with trading partners, including the EU. His administration had initially paused the tariffs for 90 days after announcing them in April, aiming to strike individual trade agreements.

In addition to the EU, Trump also issued tariff threats against multiple other nations. His proposals include:

  • 25 percent tariffs on Japan and South Korea

  • 30 percent tariffs on Mexico

  • 35 percent tariffs on Canada

As the August 1 deadline approaches, pressure is mounting for both sides to return to the negotiating table and avoid a full-scale trade war.


Source: Al Jazeera