EU member states have postponed tariffs which were due to start 15 April by 90 days.
A European Commission statement warned if negotiations are not satisfactory, countermeasures will kick in.
The Commission’s proposal was made in response to the March decision by the US to impose tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from the EU, and comes as the US increases tariffs on goods from China to 125%, while China’s 84% retaliatory tariffs also take effect.
“The EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial,” said its accompanying statement.
Meanwhile the US has introduced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher tariffs, and imposed a baseline 10% on all countries, with commentators attributing the President’s change in stance to the impact tariffs have had on bond markets as much as stocks and shares.
Amid ongoing trade tensions, energy policies continue to diverge either side of the Atlantic.
With the US backing fossil fuel development – yesterday President Trump signed an Executive Order to revive its coal industry – Europe remains committed to expanding its clean tech and renewables industries.
Speaking at the 2025 Cleantech Conference in Brussels yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “We have made permitting more straightforward, so that innovative projects can get off the ground quickly. And we will soon set clear rules for low carbon hydrogen. This will give clarity to the entrepreneurs and investors, working to decarbonise our most energy-intensive industries.”
