10.02.2025 19:00
The European Union announced that it would respond to the 25% tariff the U.S. plans to impose on steel and aluminum imports. French Foreign Minister Barrot stated that this measure is illegal and promised to protect Europe's interests.
The European Commission published a written statement regarding the possibility of the U.S. imposing additional tariffs on the EU's steel and aluminum, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot recalled 2018, stating that the EU would again respond to the new 25% customs duties that the U.S. plans to impose today on all steel and aluminum purchases.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced yesterday that he would declare a 25% customs duty on steel and aluminum imports, saying, "If they are taking a 130% tax from us while we are taking nothing from them, this will not stay that way."
STRONG REACTION FROM THE EU
In a statement from the European Commission, which noted that no official notification had been made from the U.S., it was stated that this situation would be unlawful and would have adverse economic effects due to the integrated production chains.
"The EU sees no justification for applying tariffs on its exports, and we will respond to protect the interests of businesses, workers, and consumers in Europe from unfair measures," the statement said, emphasizing that the U.S. imposing customs duties would increase economic uncertainty and disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets.
FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: WE WILL RESPOND AGAIN
On the other hand, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that if U.S. President Donald Trump implements tax increases on metal imports, Brussels will take reciprocal measures, saying, "There is no hesitation when it comes to defending our interests... This is exactly the same thing that Donald Trump did in 2018, and we responded then, and we will respond in the same way this time."
WHAT HAPPENED?
In 2018, Trump imposed a 25% customs duty on steel imports from Europe and a 10% duty on aluminum. The U.S. President implemented these tariffs, arguing that EU competition posed a threat to U.S. national security. The EU responded by imposing import duties on products such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Levi Strauss & Co. jeans.
Last week, the U.S. President also imposed a 25% tax on all imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tax on imports from China. These tariffs were announced citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. However, after negotiations with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, these tariffs were postponed for 30 days. Trump later also partially and temporarily suspended the new tariffs imposed on China.