Von der Leyen claims EU postponing retaliation to US tariffs
(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the EU will delay its response to the latest US tariffs until early August, as Brussels continues efforts to reach a negotiated trade solution with Washington.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump revealed plans to impose an additional 30% tariff on goods from the EU and Mexico, as part of his strategy to tackle what he calls unfair trade imbalances. These new tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, will be added on top of existing duties, including the 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobile imports introduced earlier this year.
Speaking on Sunday, von der Leyen confirmed ongoing discussions with the White House and said, “We will therefore extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August. Meanwhile, we are preparing further measures to ensure we remain ready to act.”
The EU’s initial countermeasures — targeting about $25 billion worth of US steel and aluminum imports — were put on hold in April for 90 days to allow trade talks to proceed. That suspension was due to expire on Monday.
Von der Leyen has warned that the newly announced US tariffs threaten to disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, harming businesses and consumers on both sides.
The EU remains one of America’s largest trading partners, but significant imports from the bloc, particularly in sectors like machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods, have contributed to a growing trade deficit. In 2024, the US trade gap with the EU surpassed $235 billion.
Trump has repeatedly accused the EU of engaging in unfair trade practices, citing the bloc’s complex regulatory landscape. He has blamed the imbalance on EU trade barriers, VAT taxes, excessive corporate penalties, non-monetary restrictions, currency manipulation, and lawsuits targeting US firms.
As part of his “America First” agenda, Trump has focused on reducing the US trade deficit and has imposed tariffs on China, the EU, Canada, Mexico, and numerous other trade partners — actions that have strained relations with key US allies.
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