EU pauses countermeasures following Trump's tariff reprieve

The European Union has decided to delay its planned countermeasures against U.S. tariffs for 90 days, following President Donald Trump’s temporary suspension of new duties on dozens of countries.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the EU will pause its planned counter-tariffs targeting €21 billion ($23.25 billion) worth of U.S. imports. The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision on Wednesday to ease some of the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, temporarily reducing trade tensions.

"We want to give negotiations a chance," von der Leyen stated on X. “While finalizing the adoption of the EU countermeasures that saw strong support from our Member States, we will put them on hold for 90 days.”

The EU had been preparing to impose the tariffs starting next Tuesday in response to the U.S. measures. It is still evaluating its position on Trump’s 10% tariffs and proposed levies on automobiles.

Trump’s unexpected shift in trade policy came shortly after the new tariffs were implemented, sending a wave of relief through financial markets already unsettled by a growing trade war with China. The move helped ease what had been the worst bout of market volatility since the early COVID-19 crisis.

EU spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed the 90-day delay but did not offer specifics on the suspension's terms. “We are satisfied that our strategy from day one has been the right one,” Gill said during a press briefing. “We are ready to make deals, let's talk.”

The EU’s decision signals a willingness to de-escalate tensions and engage in talks, while keeping its countermeasures ready should negotiations stall.

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