The European Union has decided once again to delay its planned retaliatory tariffs against the United States. These countermeasures were intended as a response to US President Donald Trump’s move to place import tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe.
EU Holds Back on €21 Billion Tariff Plan
The EU had been preparing to hit €21 billion worth of US goods with new tariffs. These were first suspended in March and were set to begin this Tuesday. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday that the suspension will now remain in place until early August.
The announcement came shortly after President Trump sent a letter to von der Leyen, warning that the US will move forward with 30% tariffs on EU imports starting 1 August. He also said that if the EU retaliates with its own tariffs, he will increase US duties even further.
The European Commission, which handles trade for all 27 EU countries, is now working to balance pressure from member states with the need to keep talks open.
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Von der Leyen: “We Are Fully Prepared”
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen explained that the US had officially informed the EU of its new trade plans. In response, she said the EU will delay its own countermeasures for now.
“We will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August,” she said. “At the same time, we will continue to prepare for the countermeasures so we’re fully prepared.”
Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU still believes in diplomacy over conflict. “We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time we have now till August 1.”
While the EU continues to seek a peaceful outcome, many European countries are urging the Commission to stand firm. The delay has sparked debate across the region, as industries and workers wait to see what will happen next.
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Ministers to Meet as Trade Tensions Grow
EU trade ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss next steps. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday that the EU is open to “serious and solution-oriented negotiations.” However, he warned that if talks fail, the EU must respond with “decisive countermeasures to protect jobs and businesses in Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also urged the European Commission to firmly defend Europe’s interests in response to pressure from the United States.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s administration continues to push forward with its wider tariff strategy. The US has now proposed new trade measures affecting 24 other countries in addition to the EU. On April 12, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated that the administration aims to complete “90 deals in 90 days.”
So far, the US has outlined trade agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, while talks with other countries remain ongoing.
As tensions rise, the EU is trying to keep negotiations alive while preparing to defend its economic interests. With the August 1 deadline approaching, pressure is building on both sides of the Atlantic.