The European Union officially adopted, this Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a series of retaliatory measures against the customs duties imposed by the United States on European steel and aluminum. These American surcharges, in effect since March 12, amount to 25% and affect European exports with an estimated annual value of 26 billion euros. In response, the old continent decided to impose similar tariffs on a wide range of American products.
A targeted but measured response
The list of American products targeted by the new European taxes includes a variety of products, such as soybeans, rice, poultry, orange juice, motorcycles, luxury yachts, diamonds, and makeup. These tariffs will also amount to 25% and will affect imports estimated at around €22 billion per year. This is to minimize the EU's economic repercussions, while delivering a firm response to the US measures.
Certain strategic products have been excluded from this list. Kentucky bourbon, initially planned for the European counter-offensive, was removed under pressure from France and Italy. The objective here is primarily political: Donald Trump having threatened to impose taxes of up to 200% on wines and spirits from Europe, the decision aims to Avoid tariff escalation.
Commercial, but above all political, issues
The European decision comes amid growing trade tensions between Brussels and Washington. Since returning to power, Donald Trump has made customs duties a central pillar of his economic policy. In addition to surcharges on steel and aluminum, the United States recently imposed additional duties of 20% on almost all European imports.
These American measures sent shockwaves through the financial markets. While some countries advocate a firm response to defend European interests, others fear the economic repercussions of a prolonged trade war. Germany, for example, is particularly vulnerable due to its high volume of exports to the United States.
Thus, the measures adopted today represent only the first step in a two-phase strategy. A second round of tariffs is planned for mid-May if no agreement is reached between the two parties by then. Meanwhile, the EU continues to call for negotiations and has proposed a "zero-for-zero" agreement aimed at mutually eliminating customs duties on certain industrial products. This proposal was, however, rejected by Donald Trump, who is demanding that Europe increase its imports of American liquefied natural gas.
An escalation is not on the cards exclude
As these first measures come into effect on April 15, the question remains: will this European response mark the beginning of a de-escalation or will it precipitate an intensification of the conflict? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be found or whether this trade war will spread further
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