EU countries unite against Trump's tariffs with countermeasures

In Brussels and Luxembourg on April 7, 2025, the European Union began organizing a united response to new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The EU's collective action comes in the wake of Trump's tariffs on various goods, affecting approximately 70% of EU exports to the United States, which amounted to $585 billion the previous year. This contentious situation has raised fears of a comprehensive trade war that could inflate prices for consumers globally. During a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Denisa Saková, the Minister of Economy, emphasized Europe’s unity in face of the tariffs and highlighted the urgent need to explore alternative trade agreements. The EU aims to finalize a barrier-free trade agreement with Mercosur countries in Latin America to mitigate potential losses from the U.S. tariffs. Saková also stressed the importance of engaging with rapidly developing economies in Asia, including China, as potential partners in global trade. The initial EU response is detailed, targeting $28 billion worth of U.S. imports with proposed tariffs on items ranging from meat to clothing. Some sectors like bourbon have been prominently discussed, sparking tensions as Trump threatened a counter-tariff on EU drinks. The gathered ministers unanimously expressed concern over the chances of escalating the trade conflict, emphasizing the delicate balance required between effective retaliation and negotiation. The European Commission plans to formally propose these counter-tariffs, requiring a majority vote from EU members before they can take effect. The ministers' resolve to present a united front signals a strategic approach to maintaining intra-EU solidarity while preparing for continuous negotiations with the U.S. As the situation evolves, the EU remains hopeful that constructive dialogue can lead to the removal of tariffs and the restoration of cooperative trade relations with the United States.