EU Vows Retaliatory Measures Against US Tariffs, Trade Tensions Escalate

The European Union has announced plans to impose $113 billion in retaliatory tariffs on US goods, responding to Washington’s 25% duties on European steel, aluminum, and automobiles. A broader 10% tariff on nearly all EU exports—potentially rising to 20% after July 8—has further strained transatlantic relations.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic dismissed perceptions of EU weakness, declaring the bloc will reject any lopsided trade deal. "All options remain on the table," he warned during Tuesday’s press conference, emphasizing the 90-day negotiation window will be used to develop countermeasures.

The standoff injects volatility into global markets as the EU prepares rebalancing measures. Sefcovic’s insistence on "objective" US concessions suggests protracted negotiations ahead, with neither side showing willingness to capitulate.