European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that the recent United States tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered.” She warned that an increase in taxation would trigger countermeasures from the bloc.

Trump Threatens More Tariffs On Metal Imports

Von der Leyen expressed “deep regret” over the U.S. ruling classes’ decision to impose tariffs on metal imports. She stated what most already knew: tariffs are taxes that harm businesses and burden consumers.

According to the latest data, European Union steel exports to the US have averaged around €3 billion ($3.10 billion) a year over the past decade.

“Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered – they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures,” von der Leyen said. “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took issue with Washinton’s obsession with tariffs. Scholz told the parliament that “if the US leaves us no other choice, the European Union will respond, united.” He added: “In the end, trade wars hurt both sides’ prosperity,” as quoted by Euronews according to a report by RT. 

Beijing Hits The U.S. With Tariffs

Trump’s move drew widespread backlash across the EU. The bloc’s trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, described the measure as a “lose-lose scenario,” in a speech in the European Parliament on Tuesday, warning that it would fuel inflation in the US. He noted that the commission is evaluating the scope of the measures and determining an appropriate response.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also said on Monday that Brussels will retaliate against the tariffs. Barrot highlighted the “impressive list” of US goods previously targeted by the EU in response to similar tariffs from Trump’s first term in office in 2018, including motorcycles, jeans, tobacco, corn, rice, orange juice, and bourbon. –RT

The trade row between Washington and Brussels began back in 2018 when Trump imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum over national security concerns, prompting retaliation from the EU.

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