EU retaliatory tariffs against the United States postponed for three months

The EU has decided to postpone the introduction of retaliatory duties against the United States for three months. This is due to the suspension of the 25% US tariffs that the American side had previously imposed on steel and aluminum from the bloc's countries. The EU intends to apply duties on American goods worth about 21 billion euros, but their effect will be immediately frozen.

Earlier, the United States announced a 90-day postponement of 20% duties on European exports, reducing the rate to 10%. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the bloc is committed to negotiations, but is ready to use countermeasures if they fail. Preparations for further steps are ongoing.

In addition to metal duties, Washington imposed 25% levies on cars and auto parts from the EU, and also announced new tariffs on lumber, pharmaceutical products and semiconductors. Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the bloc, pointing to its trade surplus, which, in his opinion, indicates the unfairness of relations. According to the WTO, the average EU tariff rate in 2023 was 2.7%.