In a move echoing a tactical pause, the European Union has reached a consensus to temporarily withhold countermeasures against U.S. tariffs for 90 days, a period set to commence on April 15.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen articulated that this suspension is contingent upon the outcomes of ongoing negotiations. Should these discussions fail to meet expectations, von der Leyen cautioned that the EU is prepared to activate its planned retaliatory measures.
As diplomatic engagements proceed, von der Leyen assured that all feasible options are still under consideration.
Earlier in the day, the European Commission President has expressed approval of the 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.
