02/11/2025

Jeans, Bourbon and Peanut Butter

How the E.U. may counter Trump’s steel tariffs

U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum "will not go unanswered," said European Union (E.U.) chief Ursula von der Leyen Tuesday, adding that they will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc. It means iconic U.S. industries like bourbon, jeans and motorcycles should beware.

"The E.U. will act to safeguard its economic interests,” said von der Leyen in a statement in reaction to President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum the previous day. "Tariffs are taxes — bad for business, worse for consumers. Unjustified tariffs on the E.U. will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures."

Just as Trump imposed similar tariffs during his first presidency, the E.U. countermeasures could easily amount to those that were used to retaliate then if the measures come into force March 12.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.