BRUSSELS, June 1, 2025 – The European Commission has declared it will impose countermeasures after US President Donald Trump announced a doubling of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, effective June 4. The move escalates transatlantic trade tensions and jeopardizes ongoing negotiations.
President Trump confirmed the hike – raising duties from 25% to 50% for both metals – during a Friday speech near Pittsburgh promoting Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel as a jobs victory. He later reiterated the policy on social media.
The EU swiftly condemned the decision. A Commission spokesperson stated it “undermines ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution” and “adds further uncertainty to the global economy, increasing costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.” The Commission revealed it had previously paused planned retaliation to facilitate dialogue but is now preparing expanded countermeasures.
“If no mutually acceptable solution is reached, both existing and additional EU measures will automatically take effect on 14 July — or earlier, if circumstances require,” the spokesperson warned.
Global Backlash Intensifies:
The tariff decision drew sharp criticism from key U.S. allies:
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Canada: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce called it “antithetical to North American economic security,” warning of damage to integrated supply chains. The United Steelworkers union labeled it a “direct attack” on Canadian industries and workers.
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Australia: Trade Minister Don Farrell denounced the measure as “unjustified and not the act of a friend.”
The U.S., the world’s largest steel importer outside the EU (26.2 million tons in 2024), faces potential domestic fallout. Analysts predict the tariffs will drive up steel and aluminum prices, raising costs for manufacturers and consumers.
