The European Union is implementing €26bn worth of trade “countermeasures” as a response to Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, intensifying a global trade conflict. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission chief, described the 25% levies on metals entering the US as “unjustified trade restrictions” and expressed regret over the measure. The EU will introduce these countermeasures on 1 April, targeting steel and aluminum products, as well as textiles, leather goods, home appliances, household tools, plastics, wood, poultry, beef, certain seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables. Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of protecting consumers and businesses but stated that the EU remains open to negotiations. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced that Britain will not implement its own counter-tariffs despite the failure of last-ditch efforts to persuade Trump to exempt British industry from his global tariffs. The steel industry in the UK has warned that Trump’s tariffs could not have been introduced at a worse time, exacerbating existing challenges such as high energy costs and diminished demand. The aluminum industry has also expressed concerns about the potential impact of these tariffs on the UK’s recycling capacity and the competitiveness of its manufacturers.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/12/eu-retaliates-against-trump-tariffs-with-26bn-countermeasures