The European Union (EU) will delay the implementation of the first set of tariffs on US goods until mid-April to give more time for talks with Washington, an EU spokesperson said on Thursday.
“The Commission has decided to align the timing of the two sets of EU countermeasures to the US 232 tariffs on EU steel and aluminium,” the spokesperson said.
“This change only slightly adjusts the timetable and does not reduce the impact of our response, especially as the EU remains prepared to take retaliatory measures of up to EUR 26 billion.”
The delay is intended to give more time for negotiations with the US administration, the EU spokesperson added.
The EU has previously said it would pursue a bilateral approach by reimposing previously suspended tariffs and introducing additional duties on goods exported to the US. These include industrial-grade steel and aluminium, semi-finished and finished steel and aluminium products, and related commercial products such as machine parts and knitting needles.
In addition, a range of other products such as bourbon, agricultural products, as well as other industrial goods such as textiles, leather goods, household appliances, and more could also be subject to tariffs. “Our aim is to strike the right balance in the selection of products, taking into account the interests of EU producers, exporters, and consumers,” the spokesperson reported.
The measures were originally announced after US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the EU must act to protect businesses and consumers.
The EU also said that its measures are now being expanded because the new US tariffs cover a wider scope and affect a much higher value of European trade. “Our objective is to ensure that the total value of the EU measures is comparable to the increased value of trade affected by the new US tariffs,” the EU explained in a statement on the plan.
