European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed approval of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily pause the majority of U.S. tariffs, though she withheld comment on whether the European Union plans to proceed with its own countermeasures.
Trump has implemented a 90-day pause on tariffs for over 75 countries, reducing the tariff to 10%, while the EU’s rate was previously set at 20%. The specifics of how the EU will be affected remain unclear, as Trump’s increase in tariffs does not apply to China, which faces a higher rate of 125%.
Von der Leyen called the tariff pause an important step towards stabilizing the global economy, emphasizing the need for clear, predictable conditions to ensure effective trade and supply chains.
Prior to Trump’s announcement, EU member countries had approved retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion worth of goods in response to Trump’s existing 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which the EU has criticized as unjustified.
The EU’s retaliatory tariffs are scheduled to roll out in stages beginning April 15, with further implementation on May 15 and December 1. No detailed list of goods was provided immediately, and continued efforts have been made by EU trade officials to mitigate potential conflicts through ongoing talks with Washington.
While the EU has indicated a desire for negotiated solutions to trade disputes, von der Leyen reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to mutual trade benefits without altering the EU’s current timetable for tariffs.
In her remarks, she highlighted the intention to broaden Europe’s global trade partnerships, emphasizing engagement with nations representing 87% of global trade sharing the EU’s ideals of free and open exchange.
Von der Leyen also spoke on strengthening internal trade within the EU’s single market, aiming to lift existing barriers and emerge stronger from current trade frictions. Europeans will come out stronger from this crisis, she declared.
