EU hits back at Trump with retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth $23.2 billion as trade war escalates

The European Union has adopted its first wave of retaliatory measures in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, targeting over €20 billion worth of American exports, including soybeans, motorcycles, beauty products, and a range of agricultural and industrial goods.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, April 9, by the European Commission, follows unanimous approval from EU member states, with Hungary casting the sole dissenting vote. The Commission stated that duties will begin to be collected under the new measures starting April 15.

“These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the U.S. agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome,” the Commission said, emphasizing that the EU’s goal remains a mutually beneficial deal.

The levies are a direct response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium introduced during Trump’s administration, which Brussels has consistently condemned as unjustified and harmful to both transatlantic and global economies.

“The EU considers U.S. tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy,” the statement read.

The EU’s response includes two key phases. The first involves reinstating a set of previously suspended levies from Trump’s first term, which will now take effect next Tuesday. The second phase targets a new list of American products, most of which will be subject to tariffs from next month, with some items facing duties starting in December.

Goods included in the new list span a wide array of sectors, such as poultry, rice, corn, fruits, nuts, wood, textiles, plastics, paintings, electrical equipment, and vehicles. The product selection is understood to disproportionately affect U.S. states with strong Republican representation, signaling a strategic element to the EU’s response.

The European Commission also hinted that further measures in retaliation to additional U.S. tariffs, including the 25 percent levy on European cars and a proposed 20 percent reciprocal tariff regime, could be revealed as early as next week.

Brussels reiterated its readiness for a negotiated solution but stressed that it would continue to protect the interests of European industries and jobs until a fair agreement is reached.