EU Plans Countermeasures Against New U.S. Tariffs

The European Union has announced that it is preparing countermeasures in response to new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump but remains open to dialogue and negotiations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the EU’s stance on Thursday, emphasising the bloc’s commitment to defending its economic interests while seeking a diplomatic resolution.

Speaking on the sidelines of a summit with Central Asian leaders in Uzbekistan, she called Trump’s move a “major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide.”

She added that Europe was ready to respond and protect its interests.

We are in Samarkand for the first ever EU-Central Asia Summit.

Tomorrow we will launch a new Strategic Partnership with Central Asia.

It means we can rely on each other.

And in today’s world, this matters more than ever. pic.twitter.com/1PgS5HIVsU

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 3, 2025

The universal tariffs announced by the US are a major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Europe is prepared to respond.

We’ll always protect our interests and values.
We’re also ready to engage.

And to go from confrontation to negotiation ↓ https://t.co/WbXqsN4ZX7

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 3, 2025

She added that the tariffs will lead to millions of citizens facing higher grocery, medication, and transportation costs, while inflation will rise and hurt the most vulnerable citizens.

The EU is already finalising its first package of retaliatory measures and is now preparing additional steps to protect its businesses if talks with the U.S. fail, von der Leyen said.

Von der Leyen urged EU citizens not to lose faith, reassuring them that Europe was equipped to weather the storm.

She had also announced talks with the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, hit hardest by the tariffs.

Trump on Wednesday announced new blanket tariffs of 10 per cent on most imports to the U.S., with higher penalties based on trade deficits for many countries.

According to Trump, imports from the EU will face new tariffs of 20 per cent.