In a bid to enhance diplomatic relations, the European Union has decided to postpone retaliatory tariffs on US exports, initially set to take effect on Tuesday. This announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference. The tariffs were a response to US President Donald Trump’s earlier import duties on steel and aluminum, which greatly affected EU trade, impacting goods valued at €21 billion. Initially suspended in March, the countermeasures have now seen their deadline extended to August, leveraging this time for further negotiations.
EU Postpones Retaliatory Tariffs Amid Ongoing US Trade Tensions

EU Postpones Retaliatory Tariffs Amid Ongoing US Trade Tensions
The European Commission's decision to delay tariffs against American goods reflects a desire for negotiation rather than conflict.
EU trade ministers are convening in Brussels to strategize their response as tensions escalate between the two economic powerhouses. President Trump recently notified von der Leyen of plans to implement a 30% tax on EU imports starting August 1. He issued a stern warning that retaliatory measures from the EU would provoke further increases on tariffs imposed on American goods.
In her address, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s preference for a diplomatic resolution, stating, “The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into effect unless there is a negotiated solution, so we will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August.” The European Commission is preparing for the possibility of needing to act should negotiations falter.
The sentiment among EU leadership highlights a commitment to defending European interests, as voiced by various officials, including Germany’s finance minister Lars Klingbeil and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the latter calling for a strong stance against US tariff threats. The Trump administration continues to detail tariff proposals, affecting numerous countries as it seeks to secure trade deals.
As the EU grapples with this economic standoff with the US, the outcomes of upcoming negotiations could significantly reshape the global trade landscape.
EU and Mexico criticize Trump's proposed 30% tariff
Trump tariffs
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Donald Trump
In her address, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s preference for a diplomatic resolution, stating, “The United States has sent us a letter with measures that would come into effect unless there is a negotiated solution, so we will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August.” The European Commission is preparing for the possibility of needing to act should negotiations falter.
The sentiment among EU leadership highlights a commitment to defending European interests, as voiced by various officials, including Germany’s finance minister Lars Klingbeil and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the latter calling for a strong stance against US tariff threats. The Trump administration continues to detail tariff proposals, affecting numerous countries as it seeks to secure trade deals.
As the EU grapples with this economic standoff with the US, the outcomes of upcoming negotiations could significantly reshape the global trade landscape.
EU and Mexico criticize Trump's proposed 30% tariff
Trump tariffs
Global trade
Donald Trump