On Monday, President Donald Trump imposed new taxes on aluminum and steel, and European Union leaders are now threatening to impose punitive tariffs on American goods.
The Trump administration removed all of the tariffs ‘ exceptions and announced new 25 % tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, decried the new levies and claimed that they would implement “firm and equal countermeasures” on American imports into the EU.
Von der Leyen expressed regret over the US’s decision to impose tariffs on Western steel and aluminum imports in a statement. ” Taxes are income – bad for business, worse for customers. Unfair taxes on the EU will not go unanswered—they may cause strong and commensurate countermeasures.
” The EU may act to protect its economic pursuits,” she added”. We did protect our employees, businesses and consumers.”
Bernd Lange, president of the industry committee in the European Parliament, said in a post on X”, We may continue to engage where feasible but fight where required.”
Lange likewise told RBB24 European radio that” Motorcycles, trousers, peanut butter, whiskey, liquor and a whole range of items “imported from the U. S. may be affected by stall tariffs, according to the Associated Press.
White House leaders have defended the extra tariffs as actions taken to safeguard American interests and employees.
A top White House official said on Monday that President Trump’s strong action “restores the strength of America’s steel and aluminum business and puts an end to the widespread abuse and circumvention that has hurt American workers.
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” The Trump 2.0 taxes are a direct reaction to the failed policies of the Biden administration, which allowed China, Russia, and many of our allies like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and the EU to influence business and ruin U. S. business,” the national added.
Trump has engaged in diplomatic negotiations with other nations early in his second term, including in controversies involving fentanyl and illegal immigration in Canada and Mexico.
