The European Union has postponed its initial response to the United States regarding President Donald Trump's metals tariffs until mid-April. This delay allows for a reassessment of which U.S. goods to target and provides additional time for negotiations.
The European Commission had initially proposed reinstating 2018 tariffs on €4.5 billion ($4.9 billion) worth of U.S. products starting April 1, followed by tariffs on an additional €18 billion of U.S. goods on April 13.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stated that the plan is to synchronize the timing of the two sets of EU counter-measures to allow for simultaneous consultations with member states and to facilitate further negotiations with the U.S. The commission has confirmed that all EU counter-measures will now take effect in mid-April.
The first set of counter-measures includes a 50% tariff on U.S. bourbon. In response, Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on all wines and other alcoholic products imported from the EU.
The Trump administration is also considering "reciprocal" tariffs to rebalance the global trading system.
Sefcovic noted limited progress in discussions with U.S. counterparts, particularly regarding his proposal to negotiate lower import duties on industrial goods. He expressed doubt that U.S. thinking is aligned with that direction, suggesting that the U.S. priority currently focuses on attracting investment and re-industrializing through tariff policies.
The delay in counter-measures could allow for adjustments in the selection of targeted U.S. goods. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou mentioned the EU's focus on American whiskey, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cautioned against escalating trade disputes with the U.S., stating that responding to tariffs with more tariffs might not be the best approach.
Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin acknowledged the prudence of allowing time after April 2 to evaluate the U.S. measures before responding strategically.