EU prepares response to US tariffs amid rising trade tensions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is ready to respond with countermeasures if talks with Washington fail, following new US tariffs imposed by President Trump.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described US President Donald Trump's universal tariffs as a major blow to the global economy. Speaking in Samarkand ahead of the EU–Central Asia summit, she said the European Union was preparing to act if negotiations with the United States did not succeed.

The EU is finalizing a first package of tariffs on up to €26 billion ($28.4 billion) worth of US goods, expected to take effect in mid-April. These measures are in response to US steel and aluminum tariffs that began on March 12.

“We're now preparing for further countermeasures to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail,” von der Leyen stated, without disclosing specific future actions.

A French government spokesperson noted that broader measures, potentially including digital services, could be introduced by the end of April. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the EU’s preference for reaching an agreement with Washington but acknowledged the possibility of an “adequate” European response if necessary.

EU trade ministers are set to meet in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss their options.

While the EU has fewer US goods to target—importing €334 billion worth from the US compared to €532 billion in exports—the bloc may avoid hitting critical sectors like US oil, gas, and pharmaceuticals, which make up a significant share of its imports.

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