The European Union is gearing up for retaliation against US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imports from the bloc, calling the move a “major blow to the world economy.”
In response to Trump’s unprecedented 20% tariffs on European imports, which were announced on Wednesday, EU officials warned of severe consequences, including disruption to global supply chains and a rise in protectionism. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU’s executive arm, expressed deep regret over the decision and stressed that Europe was prepared to defend its interests.
“We are already finalizing the first package of countermeasures,” said von der Leyen, referring to the EU’s response to previous tariffs on steel. The EU has already targeted up to €28 billion worth of US goods, including bourbon, motorbikes, and boats, and is prepared to escalate further if needed.
The EU’s response comes as the US moves toward an all-out global trade war, targeting nations ranging from Cambodia to Nicaragua, on top of the existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars. Von der Leyen emphasized the negative impacts this would have on both global businesses and consumers, noting that this could set off a dangerous cycle of economic uncertainty.
Though the EU is open to negotiating with the US, von der Leyen made it clear that Europe will stand firm. “If you take on one of us, you take on all of us,” she warned, signaling solidarity among the bloc’s members.
