Brussels prepares phased duties on American products as transatlantic trade tensions intensify under Trump administration
The European Union has formally agreed to impose its first round of retaliatory tariffs on US goods starting next week, in direct response to sweeping trade duties introduced by President Donald Trump. The decision aligns the EU with Canada and China, both of which have also taken countermeasures, deepening the global trade rift.
Announced on Wednesday (9 April), the move follows the implementation of Trump’s controversial “reciprocal” tariffs, which include heavy levies of up to 104 per cent on Chinese products and fresh tariffs of 20 per cent on most imports from nations deemed to restrict US trade access.
Under Washington’s updated tariff regime, European steel, aluminium, vehicles, and a wide range of other exports are now subject to additional duties—some as high as 25 per cent. In return, the EU will introduce mostly 25 per cent tariffs on selected US products from next Tuesday. These will target a €21 billion import market and will be rolled out in phases.
The European Commission confirmed that the new duties would apply in three stages—on 15 April, 16 May, and 1 December—the final wave targeting almonds and soybeans. Other affected goods include maize, wheat, rice, motorcycles, poultry, timber, fruit, garments, and dental hygiene products.
While the EU’s retaliatory duties fall short of matching the €26 billion in metals exports affected by the US tariffs, Brussels insists it is prepared to escalate its response if necessary. “These measures may be withdrawn should the United States agree to a fair and balanced settlement,” the European Commission noted.
The Commission’s proposal was overwhelmingly supported by the EU’s 27 member states, with Hungary casting the sole dissenting vote.
Initial plans had included US dairy products and alcoholic beverages, but these were removed after concerns from France and Italy. Both nations feared a US backlash targeting European wine and spirits, following Trump’s warning of potential 200 per cent tariffs on such items.
Meanwhile, Trump’s trade clash with Beijing has already escalated further. Following new tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing has retaliated with duties of up to 84 per cent on American goods, set to take effect on Thursday.
The transatlantic economic standoff is now fuelling broader market volatility, with observers warning of mounting risks to global trade stability.
