EU decides to delay its response to US tariffs

(MENAFN) The European Union has decided to delay its response to new US tariffs until the beginning of August, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She emphasized the bloc’s intention to find a negotiated trade solution with the United States.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States will impose an additional 30% tariff on imports from the EU and Mexico. These new tariffs are part of his administration’s broader strategy to address perceived trade imbalances. The new levies, scheduled to start on August 1, will come in addition to existing tariffs on certain sectors—including a 25% duty already in place on imports such as steel, aluminum, and vehicles.

Von der Leyen stated on Sunday that negotiations are in progress with the US administration after the announcement.

“We will therefore extend the suspension of our countermeasures until early August. At the same time, we will continue preparing further countermeasures to ensure we are always ready,” she said.

The EU had previously suspended a package of retaliatory tariffs targeting about $25 billion worth of US metal imports. This pause, which began in April to allow time for trade dialogue, was originally set to expire on Monday.

Von der Leyen has cautioned that the latest US tariff measures could severely disrupt crucial supply chains between the US and Europe, causing harm to industries and consumers on both continents.

Although the EU remains one of America’s most significant trading partners, the volume of goods imported from the EU—including vehicles, machinery, luxury items, and pharmaceuticals—has contributed to a notable trade imbalance. In 2024, the US recorded a trade deficit of more than $235 billion with the EU.

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