EU Imposes Counter Tariffs on US, Von der Leyen Addresses Trade Tensions

The European Union (EU) has announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States in response to recent trade measures taken by Washington. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the detrimental impact of tariffs on global trade and highlighted the need for proportionate responses.

On April 6, 2025, von der Leyen stated that the EU will impose €26 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods, a direct response to new tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminum. These measures aim to protect European interests and maintain balance within global markets.

The retaliatory actions come amidst existing trade tensions between the two economic giants, with potential ripple effects across sectors such as tokenized commodity markets.

Von der Leyen also highlighted the need for cooperation with international partners to mitigate the negative consequences of these tariffs on consumers and businesses. The EU’s response follows a pattern similar to past disputes where reciprocal measures were implemented. This history suggests that previous tariff conflicts have led to negotiations, potentially resolving through diplomatic channels as seen in 2018.