The European Commission has announced new countermeasures in response to the United States' decision to impose 25% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports. The EU's measures will target U.S. exports valued at up to Euro 26 billion, matching the economic impact of the U.S. tariffs. Products subject to these measures include lumber, plywood, veneer, flooring, chipboard, fiberboard, pulp, and paper products.
The EU's response will take place in two phases. First, previously announced countermeasures from 2018 and 2020 — which were postponed during negotiations — will automatically resume on 1 April. These earlier measures addressed Euro 8 billion worth of EU exports impacted by U.S. tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump's administration, as well as Euro 40 million in additional tariffs introduced in 2020. These EU countermeasures were initially set to expand further in 2021 but had been suspended to allow space for negotiations.
Second, new countermeasures designed to respond to the latest U.S. tariffs will take effect by mid-April. These new measures follow a two-week stakeholder consultation period, running until 26 March, after which member states will review the proposal under the comitology process.
The latest U.S. tariffs, announced on 10 February 2025, apply a 25% tax on a broad range of industrial-grade steel and aluminium products, including semifinished and finished goods. These new measures affect over Euro 18 billion worth of EU exports, bringing the total impacted trade value to Euro 26 billion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the U.S. tariffs as “bad for business and worse for consumers,” warning that they could disrupt supply chains and raise prices on both sides of the Atlantic. She described the EU's response as “strong but proportionate,” emphasizing that the measures could be withdrawn if a negotiated solution is reached. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has been tasked with resuming discussions with U.S. officials to seek alternatives.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to open dialogue but warned that it will continue to defend EU economic interests if the U.S. fails to cooperate.
British Columbia has also responded to U.S. tariffs by ordering the removal of all U.S. alcohol products from BCLIQUOR stores. This move follows recent announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs targeting Canada's dairy and lumber industries. In addition, the U.S. plans to increase tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber from 14.5% to 39.5% on 2 April, with potential hikes exceeding 50% by fall. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) warns that these rising tariffs will drive up lumber prices, escalating construction costs and impacting housing affordability. NAHB estimates that the price of an average new single-family home could increase by 7,500 to 10,000 USD due to the higher lumber costs.
