EU Strikes Back: Tariffs on €21 Billion Worth of US Goods Amid Global Trade War

Following China, the European Union retaliates against Trump’s 25% steel and aluminum tariffs with duties on politically sensitive US exports.

April 9, 2025: Brussels/Washington:
The European Union has joined the escalating global trade war, announcing retaliatory tariffs on approximately €21 billion ($23.2 billion) worth of American goods in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent 25% tariffs on EU steel and aluminum exports.

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On Wednesday, a majority of the EU’s 27 member states voted in favor of imposing duties that will begin rolling out in three phases — mid-April, mid-May, and December 1, 2025. These tariffs target strategically selected American exports including soybeans from Louisiana, poultry, motorcycles, agricultural products, and diamonds, with most items facing a 25% duty and select products a 10% levy.

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This move is the latest retaliation against President Trump’s sweeping tariff policy. Earlier this week, China imposed 84% tariffs on all US goods after the US slapped a 104% levy on Chinese imports, citing national security and trade imbalance concerns.

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The EU’s decision also comes amid internal pressure. Notably, bourbon whiskey was removed from the final list of targeted products following lobbying from member states concerned about Trump’s threat of 200% tariffs on European wine and champagne.

While Washington has maintained that these tariffs are designed to protect American industries and jobs, global partners view them as aggressive trade protectionism. The EU’s action is widely seen as both a symbolic and tactical response ahead of further negotiations or WTO escalations.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded to the latest round of tariffs from China, calling the move “unfortunate” and urging Beijing to engage in talks rather than “devalue their way out of the tariff war.”

🧩 Trade War Timeline Quick Recap:

• April 2: Trump imposes global “reciprocal” tariffs.
• April 6: China announces 34% retaliation.
• April 8: Trump ups China tariffs to 104%.
• April 9: China counters with 84% tariffs; EU joins with €21B in duties.

With the world’s three largest economic powers now in an active tariff stand-off, investors and economists fear a prolonged trade war could disrupt global supply chains and deepen economic uncertainty.

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