EU Vows Retaliation After Trump Imposes 30% Tariff On All EU Goods

The European Union has pledged swift and firm retaliation after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 30% tariff on all goods imported from the EU, escalating trade tensions between the longtime allies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the move and warned that the bloc was prepared to take all "necessary" measures to defend its economic interests. “The European Union will not hesitate to act,” von der Leyen said in a statement. “We are ready to respond decisively to protect our industries, jobs, and global competitiveness.”

The tariffs, unveiled by Trump earlier this week, follow through on his campaign and inaugural pledges to impose steep import duties in a bid to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and promote domestic manufacturing. “We will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump declared during his swearing-in ceremony earlier this year.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, criticized the decision as a “slap in the face” to transatlantic relations and a blow to diplomatic efforts. “Real willingness to negotiate looks different,” Lange said. He called for a two-stage response, with the first wave of countermeasures to be enacted as early as Monday.

Lange also urged EU policymakers to consider deploying anti-coercion instruments, such as barring U.S. companies from participating in public procurement contracts within the EU. “We need to show we can and will defend ourselves,” he said.

Trump’s tariff policy, first floated on February 13 as part of a broader plan for “reciprocal trade,” has already drawn criticism from business leaders and international partners. With the EU poised to retaliate, economists warn the dispute could trigger a transatlantic trade war, potentially affecting billions in trade and economic growth on both sides.

Further details on the EU’s response are expected early next week.