The European Union has announced a 90-day pause on its planned retaliatory tariffs against the United States, following a similar suspension by the Trump administration. This temporary halt affects EU countermeasures on US goods worth approximately €21 billion, including key products such as soybeans, motorcycles, and orange juice. The move aims to create space for negotiations between the EU and the US to resolve the ongoing trade dispute over tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods.
In March 2025, the US imposed tariffs of up to 25% on EU steel and aluminum imports, citing national security concerns. The EU viewed these tariffs as unjustified and harmful to both economies, responding with counter-tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on about $23 billion of US imports.
However, after President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of his "reciprocal" tariffs on the EU, the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, decided to hold off on implementing its countermeasures until July 14, 2025.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s willingness to “give negotiations a chance” but warned that if talks fail to produce satisfactory results, the EU’s countermeasures will be enforced.
Meanwhile, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is actively engaging with US officials in Washington to seek a negotiated solution. Despite the pause, the original US tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars remain in effect, and the EU continues to prepare for possible further countermeasures.
This temporary truce has been welcomed by markets and seen as a positive step toward stabilizing global trade tensions, though uncertainty remains as the core issues have yet to be resolved. The EU also stresses the importance of clear and predictable trade conditions for the effective operation of supply chains and is working to diversify its trade partnerships beyond the US.