EU Delays Retaliatory Tariffs Amid New U.S. Threats on Imports
European Commission extends suspension of €21 billion in countermeasures as Trump proposes 30% tariffs on EU goods
The European Union has extended its suspension of retaliatory tariffs on United States exports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Sunday.
The countermeasures, which had been scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, were originally planned in response to import duties imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on steel and aluminium.
The EU's retaliation package, targeting approximately twenty-one billion euros worth of U.S. goods, was first suspended in March and has now been delayed until early August.
Von der Leyen stated that the extension was intended to provide space for further negotiations while ensuring the EU remains prepared to act.
"The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into effect unless there is a negotiated solution," von der Leyen said at a press conference.
"We will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August.
At the same time, we will continue to prepare for the countermeasures so we're fully prepared."
The announcement comes after President Trump communicated his intent to impose thirty percent tariffs on European imports starting from 1 August.
In a letter to von der Leyen, the U.S. president warned that any retaliatory action by the EU would result in even higher tariffs.
In a pre-recorded interview broadcast on Saturday, Trump defended his tariff policy, stating that it had resulted in significant revenue inflows and that "some countries were very upset now."
EU trade ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss the bloc’s response.
European leaders have reiterated their preference for a negotiated settlement.
Von der Leyen said, "The EU has always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution.
This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now till August 1."
Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that "serious and solution-oriented negotiations" with the United States were still needed but noted that the EU would implement "decisive countermeasures" if talks failed.
"Our hand remains outstretched but we won't accept just anything," Klingbeil said in an interview with a German daily newspaper.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Commission to "resolutely defend European interests." The Commission is responsible for negotiating trade policy on behalf of the twenty-seven EU member states.
The announcement follows a broader U.S. trade strategy in which the administration has proposed tariff conditions on twenty-four countries and the EU.
On 12 April, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro outlined a plan to conclude ninety trade deals in ninety days.
President Trump has so far announced preliminary agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, while discussions with other partners continue.
The countermeasures, which had been scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, were originally planned in response to import duties imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on steel and aluminium.
The EU's retaliation package, targeting approximately twenty-one billion euros worth of U.S. goods, was first suspended in March and has now been delayed until early August.
Von der Leyen stated that the extension was intended to provide space for further negotiations while ensuring the EU remains prepared to act.
"The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into effect unless there is a negotiated solution," von der Leyen said at a press conference.
"We will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August.
At the same time, we will continue to prepare for the countermeasures so we're fully prepared."
The announcement comes after President Trump communicated his intent to impose thirty percent tariffs on European imports starting from 1 August.
In a letter to von der Leyen, the U.S. president warned that any retaliatory action by the EU would result in even higher tariffs.
In a pre-recorded interview broadcast on Saturday, Trump defended his tariff policy, stating that it had resulted in significant revenue inflows and that "some countries were very upset now."
EU trade ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss the bloc’s response.
European leaders have reiterated their preference for a negotiated settlement.
Von der Leyen said, "The EU has always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution.
This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now till August 1."
Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that "serious and solution-oriented negotiations" with the United States were still needed but noted that the EU would implement "decisive countermeasures" if talks failed.
"Our hand remains outstretched but we won't accept just anything," Klingbeil said in an interview with a German daily newspaper.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Commission to "resolutely defend European interests." The Commission is responsible for negotiating trade policy on behalf of the twenty-seven EU member states.
The announcement follows a broader U.S. trade strategy in which the administration has proposed tariff conditions on twenty-four countries and the EU.
On 12 April, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro outlined a plan to conclude ninety trade deals in ninety days.
President Trump has so far announced preliminary agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, while discussions with other partners continue.
