In the bloc’s first answer to US President Trump’s Liberation Day plan, the European Union (EU) is set to impose up to 25% tariffs on US goods. Indeed, the EU is set to issue its first retaliatory import duty as low as 10%, targeting a host of industries.
The approved plan emerges as a host of nations are formulating their responses to Trump’s baseline 10% tariff placed on all nations last week. A nearly unprecedented move, the administration has said it is seeking to balance trade through the economic policy. Now, nations are seeking to renegotiate trade deals or answer his increased tax in kind.
JUST IN: 🇪🇺 🇺🇸 European Union to impose between 10% and 25% tariffs on US goods.
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) April 9, 2025
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EU Issues Retaliatory Tariffs in First Answer to Trump’s Liberation Day Plan
The global economy took a massive hit in April as the US announced a major tariff plan. Cioned as Liberation Day by US President Trump, the nation issued a 10% baseline import duty on all nations. However, that varied for certain trading partners, as the country looks to bring all countries back to the negotiating table.
The move has already had massive ramifications on the US economy. A host of banks have increased recession odds as the US stock market has plummeted. Now, the concerns of a looming trade war have only grown more worrisome as the European Union has officially approved its plan to impose up to 25% tariffs on US goods.
Also Read: 50 Countries Ready To Cut Tariffs on US Goods
According to the Washington Post, the EU is planning a retaliatory tariff between 10% and 25%. Moreover, the move is an attempt by leaders of the bloc to “bring Washington to the negotiating table.” Although there was no specific list of affected industries, meat, iron, steel, and textiles were among those being affected.
The tariffs will reportedly begin being collected starting April 15th. Indeed, the 27-nation bloc had previously warned this action could take place. It stated they would act in the best interest of the 27-nation bloc’s business and consumer interests.
“The EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial,” the European Commission said.