EU chief vows to respond to U.S. tariffs with tough countermeasures

EU chief vows tough countermeasures against US tariffs on steel and aluminium, protecting economic interests and consumers.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed on Tuesday (February 11, 2025) that U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium “will not go unanswered,” adding that they will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc.

“The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,” Ms. von der Leyen said in a statement in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminium the previous day.

“Tariffs are taxes — bad for business, worse for consumers,” Ms. von der Leyen said. “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.”