In a significant move aimed at de-escalating transatlantic trade tensions, the European Union has announced a 90-day suspension of its planned countermeasures against US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. This decision follows the United States’ recent announcement to delay its reciprocal tariffs by the same period.
The suspended EU measures target over €21 billion worth of US exports and were set to retaliate against US tariffs of up to 25% on a wide range of steel, aluminium, and derivative products.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU’s intention to “give negotiations a chance.” However, she emphasized that the EU stands ready to act if discussions do not yield a satisfactory outcome.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is currently in Washington DC, engaging with US officials to explore a negotiated path forward.
Two legal acts have been adopted by the Commission on 14 April 2025:
- One establishing the EU countermeasures.
- Another immediately suspending their application until 14 July 2025.
While these measures are paused, the EU continues preparatory work on additional trade responses, underscoring its firm stance against what it sees as unjustified US tariffs.
Next steps: All eyes are now on EU-US talks. If no agreement is reached by mid-July, the EU’s countermeasures will come into full effect.
