Additional Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum – The EU’s Counterattack
On March 12, the 25% additional tariffs imposed by the U.S. on steel and aluminum imports came into effect, targeting numerous countries, including the European Union1.
That same day, the European Commission announced a series of countermeasures in response to these U.S. tariffs2.
The reinstatement of countermeasures introduced in 2018 and 2020, initially scheduled for April 13, now postponed to April 144.
The implementation of additional tariffs on a supplementary list of products starting April 14, following a public consultation that concluded on March 26.
The measures set to take effect on April 14 will target various sectors, including cosmetics, iron and steel goods, and the automotive industry.
The ten leading product categories, by import value, targeted by the reinstated countermeasures against U.S. imports in 2024 are:
Import value of the main product groups impacted by the reactivated measures (Eurostat data 2024 in M€)5
The consultative list covers an even broader range of U.S. goods targeting mainly the following groups of goods (import value for 2024):
Import value of the main product groups covered by the consultative list (Eurostat data 2024 in M€)6
Regarding the automotive sector, it is interesting to note, as mentioned above, that the suspended implementing regulations cover motorbikes under subheadings 8711 40 and 8711 50 as well as the shipbuilding sector, including certain goods under headings 8901 to 8903. The consultative list covers other motorbikes and certain electric cycles as well.
U.S. Additional Tariffs on Automobiles and their components
In a proclamation dated March 26, 2025, President Trump announced additional 25% tariffs on automobiles, effective April 3, and on certain vehicle components starting May 37. These tariffs will apply on top of existing duties. Only vehicles and parts eligible for preferential treatment under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may qualify for exemption.
In response, the European Commission expressed regret stating that tariffs are bad for business and worse for consumers, both in the United States and the European Union8. However, the chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee raised the possibility of additional measures not only against U.S. goods but also against digital services, given the favorable trade balance enjoyed by U.S. tech giants (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft)9.
U.S. Additional Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan oil
In addition to previously introduced measures against China, President Trump has once again targeted the country with an Executive Order dated March 24, imposing new tariffs on countries importing Venezuelan oil10.
This measure introduces additional 25% tariffs on products imported from countries that directly or indirectly purchase Venezuelan oil, effective April 2. The measure will remain in effect for one year from the date of the last oil import by the targeted country.
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As trade tensions continue to rise, the European Union seems determined to protect its economy while seeking diplomatic solutions to resolve trade disputes. On the eve of "Liberation Day”, Ursula von der Leyen announced to the European Parliament today that negotiations with the United States will be “approached from a position of strength”, with the EU holding “many cards in its hand”, as it is hoped that this proportionate response will encourage the United States to reconsider its policies and at least enter into discussions on fairer trade.
[5] Eurostat, approximate data for 2024 based on the position level of the harmonized system at 4 digits imported from the United States targeted by implementing regulations 2018/886 and 2020/502.
[6] Eurostat, approximate data for 2024 based on the position level of the harmonized system at 4 digits imported from the United States targeted by the consultative list.
[8] Statement by President von der Leyen on the US announcement of car import tariffs – March 26, 2025
[9] Press release, European Parliament “Every new US car more expensive from now”, International Trade Committee Chair comments on tariffs of Trump administration, 27 mars 2025
[10] Executive Order, Imposing Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil, March 24, 2025
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