**EU Approves Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. in Escalating Trade Dispute**
The European Union has voted to impose new tariffs on U.S. products in response to Washington’s steel and aluminum tariffs, marking a significant escalation in the transatlantic trade conflict. All EU member states except Hungary supported the measures, which target American goods such as motorcycles, poultry, fruit, and wood. The move comes just hours after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs but raised duties on Chinese imports to 125%. The EU’s retaliatory tariffs, set to take effect gradually starting next week, aim to pressure the U.S. into negotiations for a “fair and balanced” trade agreement.
The European Commission condemned the U.S. tariffs as “unjustified and damaging,” warning of economic harm to both sides. While the EU has left room for dialogue, officials emphasized that countermeasures could only be suspended if the U.S. agrees to a negotiated resolution. Meanwhile, European stock markets fell sharply, with major indexes dropping around 3% amid growing trade tensions. The bloc also continues to assess its response to separate U.S. tariffs on European cars, signaling further potential economic friction ahead.
**EU Seeks Negotiations Amid Tariff Standoff**
Despite the retaliatory measures, the EU has signaled its willingness to engage in talks with the Trump administration to de-escalate tensions. French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin stressed that a “tariff war is harmful for everyone,” urging continued dialogue to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The EU’s phased tariff plan—set to begin next week and extend through December—gives both sides time to negotiate before full implementation. However, with the U.S. maintaining its 10% baseline tariffs on EU goods, the path to resolution remains uncertain. The ongoing dispute underscores the broader risks to global trade stability as economic powers clash over protectionist policies.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/09/g-s1-59187/european-union-tariffs.