EU Approves Tariffs on Over 1,600 US Products

The European Union has approved its first major response to US trade policies under former President Donald Trump, announcing 25% tariffs on American products worth €21 billion. 

These tariffs will take effect on Monday.

Nearly 1,600 US goods, including home appliances, tobacco, sausages, clothing, and furniture, will be affected. This move marks the first phase of a three-stage plan aimed at countering US trade measures.

The next set of tariffs is scheduled for mid-May, with a final round coming in December, expanding to a broader range of American products.

The European Commission stated that the US tariffs were unfair and harmful to both sides and to the global economy. The decision was backed by most EU member states during a technical meeting in Brussels, with only Hungary voting against it.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed concerns that tariffs would further damage Europe's economy.

Tariffs will officially begin on April 15. The EU’s decision comes after failed negotiations with the US, despite attempts to reach a trade agreement.

In May, the second phase will target food products such as eggs, poultry, beef, vegetable oils, biscuits, sugar, and citrus fruits.

Additional duties will also apply to jewelry, plastics, steel, aluminum parts, wood, and textiles. The third phase, starting in December, will impose tariffs on crops like soybeans and almonds.

This escalating trade dispute reflects the deepening strain in EU-US relations and signals the EU’s readiness to defend its economic interests.