By Trade tensions between the United States and the European Union (EU) are escalating as the EU prepares retaliatory measures in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The dispute threatens to strain the $1.5 trillion transatlantic trade relationship, one of the most significant economic partnerships in the world.
On February 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, citing national security concerns. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with the EU labeling the tariffs as unjustified and harmful to global trade.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the US decision, stating that it harms businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU is considering imposing tariffs on €4.8 billion worth of American goods, including bourbon whiskey, motorcycles, and motorboats.
While both sides have expressed a preference for negotiation, the current trajectory suggests a challenging path ahead. The international community is closely watching the situation, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of free and fair trade.