EU Scrambles to Avert 50% Steel Tariff Threat from US Ahead of July 9 Deadline

The European Union is racing against time to negotiate a trade deal with the United States as former President Donald TRUMP threatens to impose a 50% tariff on all European steel imports by July 9. Brussels received Washington's latest proposal on Thursday, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen currently evaluating the terms. Simultaneously, the EU is preparing retaliatory tariffs targeting $95 billion worth of US goods.

Trade tensions between the US and EU have already escalated, with existing 25% tariffs on European automobiles. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether additional punitive measures are implemented. Von der Leyen has been briefing EU leaders at the Brussels summit, preparing contingency plans for multiple scenarios.

The potential 50% steel tariff has forced rapid decision-making among EU member states, who remain divided on how to proceed. Officials are crafting retaliatory measures targeting key American exports, though the final scale may be adjusted. The situation represents one of the most significant trade confrontations between the transatlantic partners in recent years.