The European Union’s top governing body announced Thursday that it would freeze its planned retaliation against new U.S. tariffs for a period of 90 days, aligning its response with President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily suspend the tariffs. The pause is aimed at allowing space for talks that could lead to a diplomatic resolution.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the Commission, which oversees trade for all 27 EU nations, “took note of the announcement by President Trump.”
She stated that the EU would delay the imposition of tariffs on $23 billion worth of American goods for 90 days, explaining that the decision was made because “we want to give negotiations a chance.”
However, she cautioned that this delay is not indefinite: “If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in.”
Trump recently instituted a 20% tariff on European imports, part of a wider campaign of trade restrictions aimed at addressing U.S. trade imbalances. He announced, however, that these would be paused for three months to enable discussions with affected countries.
While von der Leyen expressed appreciation for Trump’s move to suspend most of the new tariffs, she refrained from confirming whether the EU would follow through with its planned retaliatory tariffs. “I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE,” Trump said, referencing over 75 nations that had entered trade negotiations with the U.S. without retaliating against his latest tariff hikes. During this pause, countries covered by the suspension will face a 10% tariff. The EU’s initial tariff rate was 20%, though it’s unclear exactly how the 27-member bloc will be affected.
Notably, China was excluded from the pause, and Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%.
Von der Leyen referred to the suspension of retaliatory tariffs as “an important step towards stabilizing the global economy. Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function.”
Prior to Trump’s announcement on Wednesday, EU nations had voted to enact their own tariffs targeting $23 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to his 25% duties on imported steel and aluminum. The EU had criticized those measures as “unjustified and damaging.”
The EU’s tariffs were designed to roll out in phases, with certain levies taking effect on April 15, others on May 15, and the final batch on December 1. The European Commission has yet to disclose the full list of impacted products. In recent weeks, the bloc’s lead trade negotiator has been making frequent trips between Brussels and Washington in an attempt to prevent a major trade fallout.
Despite Trump’s pause, von der Leyen has not indicated any change in the EU’s timeline. Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said that the EU “will now take the necessary time to assess this latest development, in close consultation with our member states and industry, before deciding on next steps.”
EU countries reiterated their preference for a negotiated solution to the growing trade dispute. Von der Leyen reaffirmed that goal, stating the EU seeks a resolution “with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade.”
Nevertheless, von der Leyen emphasized that the EU remains committed to broadening its trade relationships globally.
She affirmed that the EU will continue “engaging with countries that account for 87% of global trade and share our commitment to a free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,” while also working to eliminate barriers to trade within its own internal market.
“Together, Europeans will emerge stronger from this crisis,” von der Leyen said.
{Matzav.com}