EU hits back with a billion-euro counterpunch as persuasive tactics fail to tackle US tariffs

The US steel and aluminium tariff has come into effect from March 12, and in response to it, the European Commission has launched immediate countermeasures on US imports into the European Union (EU).

In a decisive retaliation against the US steel and aluminium tariffs, the European Commission has unveiled a package of countermeasures targeting US imports worth up to EUR 26 billion. The move signals a firm stance: if the US chooses to escalate the trade conflict, the EU will respond with equal force.

Persuasion strategy tastes the dust

President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, a steep 25 per cent on industrial steel and aluminium imports — took effect on March 12, impacting an estimated USD 28 billion in EU exports. This isn’t entirely unexpected. Trump has long expressed his scepticism of the EU, accusing the bloc of unfair trade practices and even suggesting it was designed to “screw” America. The threat of additional tariffs on European cars further fans the flames of this ongoing economic feud.

For months, EU leaders pursued diplomacy. They explored ways to appease Washington, from boosting European purchases of American natural gas to maintaining an open dialogue. However, the EU’s patience has run dry with these fresh tariffs.

Europe strikes back

The European Commission’s countermeasures follow a two-pronged strategy: