EU Plans Retaliatory Tariffs Against U.S. by April

The European Union is set to implement its first countermeasures against U.S. tariffs on April 14, specifically targeting U.S. steel tariffs, according to EU officials. President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU seeks a negotiated solution rather than escalating trade tensions, with ongoing discussions between European and U.S. trade representatives. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas confirmed that France, in collaboration with the EU, will respond to Trump’s tariffs with two waves of retaliatory measures, the first focusing on steel and aluminum, and the second planned for late April encompassing a broader range of products. The EU plans to maintain a united front against U.S. measures, despite concerns about the influence of U.S. officials on negotiations. Additionally, discussions between the EU and China regarding bilateral tariffs are resuming, indicating a shift in trade dynamics. Overall, the EU aims to counterbalance U.S. tariffs while remaining open to dialogue.