Von der Leyen asserts Trump's tariffs 'will not go unanswered'
The head of the EU Commission has issued a caution regarding “proportionate” countermeasures in response to potential tariff increases on metal imports by the US president. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stern warning regarding potential “proportionate” countermeasures in response to US President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on metal imports. On Tuesday, von der Leyen emphasized that US tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered,” signaling the European Union's intent to respond robustly to these measures.
Trump declared on Monday his plan to impose a 25% duty on all steel and aluminum imported into the US, stating that there would be no exceptions or exemptions, and these new tariffs would be in addition to existing ones. According to a White House official, these tariffs are set to take effect on March 4.
Expressing “deep regret” over the announcement, von der Leyen remarked that tariffs serve as taxes that ultimately harm businesses and place a burden on consumers. Data indicates that EU steel exports to the US have averaged around €3 billion annually over the last decade.
“Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered – they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures,” von der Leyen stated. “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers.”
The decision by Trump has provoked significant backlash within the EU. Maros Sefcovic, the bloc's trade commissioner, labeled the action as a “lose-lose scenario” during a speech at the European Parliament on Tuesday, cautioning that it could lead to increased inflation in the US. He mentioned that the commission is currently assessing the measures and formulating an appropriate response.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also affirmed on Monday that Brussels would retaliate against the tariffs. He pointed to an “impressive list” of US products previously targeted by the EU in response to similar tariffs instituted by Trump during his first term in 2018, which included motorcycles, jeans, tobacco, corn, rice, orange juice, and bourbon.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conveyed to the parliament that “if the US leaves us no other choice, the European Union will respond, united,” further stating: “in the end, trade wars hurt both sides’ prosperity,” as quoted by Euronews.
The ongoing trade conflict between Washington and Brussels traces back to 2018, when Trump imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum citing national security concerns. This prompted a retaliatory response from the EU, leading to an exchange of tariffs on goods exceeding $10 billion. In 2021, a temporary truce was reached with President Joe Biden’s administration, halting tariffs under a deal to create the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum. This agreement involved a partial lifting of US tariffs, alongside the introduction of quota-based duties, while the EU rescinded its restrictions.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
Trump declared on Monday his plan to impose a 25% duty on all steel and aluminum imported into the US, stating that there would be no exceptions or exemptions, and these new tariffs would be in addition to existing ones. According to a White House official, these tariffs are set to take effect on March 4.
Expressing “deep regret” over the announcement, von der Leyen remarked that tariffs serve as taxes that ultimately harm businesses and place a burden on consumers. Data indicates that EU steel exports to the US have averaged around €3 billion annually over the last decade.
“Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered – they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures,” von der Leyen stated. “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers.”
The decision by Trump has provoked significant backlash within the EU. Maros Sefcovic, the bloc's trade commissioner, labeled the action as a “lose-lose scenario” during a speech at the European Parliament on Tuesday, cautioning that it could lead to increased inflation in the US. He mentioned that the commission is currently assessing the measures and formulating an appropriate response.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also affirmed on Monday that Brussels would retaliate against the tariffs. He pointed to an “impressive list” of US products previously targeted by the EU in response to similar tariffs instituted by Trump during his first term in 2018, which included motorcycles, jeans, tobacco, corn, rice, orange juice, and bourbon.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conveyed to the parliament that “if the US leaves us no other choice, the European Union will respond, united,” further stating: “in the end, trade wars hurt both sides’ prosperity,” as quoted by Euronews.
The ongoing trade conflict between Washington and Brussels traces back to 2018, when Trump imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum citing national security concerns. This prompted a retaliatory response from the EU, leading to an exchange of tariffs on goods exceeding $10 billion. In 2021, a temporary truce was reached with President Joe Biden’s administration, halting tariffs under a deal to create the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum. This agreement involved a partial lifting of US tariffs, alongside the introduction of quota-based duties, while the EU rescinded its restrictions.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
