European leaders have condemned the new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on steel and aluminium, calling them “unjustified” and promising a robust response. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that the European Union would take “firm and proportionate countermeasures” in retaliation, emphasizing that tariffs are “bad for business, worse for consumers.”
Trump’s announcement on Monday of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports from all nations, with no exceptions, has sparked outrage across the Atlantic. Von der Leyen affirmed that the EU will protect its economic interests and safeguard its workers, businesses, and consumers. “These tariffs will not go unanswered,” she warned.
The move has led to a unified reaction from EU leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed that, if necessary, the EU would respond “united,” adding that trade wars harm both sides. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic also criticized the tariffs, calling them “economically counterproductive” and arguing that they would ultimately raise costs for US businesses and consumers, while fuelling inflation.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these concerns, stating that the tariffs would result in higher prices for American consumers. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci also called for a strong, collective European response.
Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which he claims will protect struggling US industries, threatens to ignite a broader trade conflict. European leaders warn that such a move risks disrupting global trade, with economic consequences for both sides.
The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: the EU is prepared to protect its economic interests with countermeasures aimed at minimizing the impact of these new tariffs on European businesses and consumers.
Von-der-leyen-EU-Parliament Picture-CC-BY-2-0
