Ursula von der Leyen

BRUSSELS – “Strong and proportionate,” and above all, immediate countermeasures. The European Union… returns the favor to its overseas ally. From April 1, Brussels will apply tariffs on US goods worth up to 26 billion euros. While striking with one hand, Ursula von der Leyen extends the other toward Donald Trump: “We will always remain open to negotiation,” the EU leader said. The European Commission “deeply regrets” Trump’s move. …The EU has planned a two-step response: from April 1, the old rebalancing measures to the 2018 and 2020 tariffs, which apply to a range of products from boats to motorcycles to liquor like bourbon, will be reinstated. …A new package of tariffs on US products will go into effect in mid-April. This second round of countermeasures will cover steel and aluminum, textiles, leather goods, home appliances, household utensils, plastics, wood products. …Products subject to these measures include lumber, plywood, veneer, flooring, chipboard, fiberboard, pulp, and paper products.

Related coverage in Euro News: Trump escalates with 200% tariff on EU alcohol imports