The European Union has backed its first countermeasures against tariffs imposed by the United States,
after member states today approved a proposal made in response to the 25% tariff the US placed on the EU’s steel and aluminum exports.
“The EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial,” the European Commission said in a statement.
It said it would start to collect duties from April 15, stressing that “these countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the US agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome.”
The commission did not immediately provide details about the tariff rate it would impose on certain goods imported from the US.