EU to Impose Countermeasures Against US Tariffs on April 15

The European Union is set to implement countermeasures against tariffs imposed by the United States, effective April 15. This decision was confirmed during discussions among European trade ministers in Luxembourg. While Italy requested a delay to allow more time for dialogue with the US, the EU is proceeding with the original date. The countermeasures are a response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. The EU's initial list of products to be taxed excludes bourbon whiskey, following requests from Italy and Ireland, who fear retaliatory tariffs on wine and spirits. A vote on the list by the 27 member states is scheduled for April 9. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU is ready to negotiate with the US, having previously offered zero tariffs on industrial goods. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic proposed zero tariffs on cars and the entire industry to the US on February 19, but the offer was rejected. The first set of countermeasures involves reinstating tariffs previously imposed during the Trump administration, targeting products such as boats, Harley Davidson motorcycles, jeans, and some t-shirts, totaling €4.5 billion. A second list of products, valued at €18 billion, is planned for implementation on May 15, including industrial and agricultural goods from states with strong Trump support, such as steel, aluminum, textiles, leather goods, appliances, plastics, wood products, poultry, beef, seafood, nuts, eggs, dairy, sugar, and vegetables. This aims to match the impact of the new US tariffs on steel and aluminum, although it remains less than the €26 billion affected by US tariffs. Despite internal divisions, the EU aims to present a united front. While Spain proposed a joint European fund to support affected companies, this idea has not gained widespread support, particularly from northern European countries. Von der Leyen is also working to strengthen relationships with non-EU countries affected by US trade policies, including Norway. She met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Brussels to discuss cooperation on defense procurement and import monitoring.