The European Union is officially suspending its planned retaliatory measures against the duties imposed by the Donald Trump administration for 90 days. This statement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday. This decision is explained by the desire to give diplomatic negotiations with Washington a chance, which could reduce tensions in global trade.
“We have taken note of President Trump’s announcement. We want to give space for negotiations. Therefore, while the process of approving the EU countermeasures, which have been widely supported by member states, is nearing completion, we are postponing their implementation for 90 days,” von der Leyen wrote on the X platform (Twitter).
If the talks fail, Brussels reserves the right to impose planned tariffs on €21 billion worth of US imports, including steel, aluminium, and later cars.
“If the negotiations do not yield satisfactory results, our measures will come into force. Preparations for other possible countermeasures are ongoing. As I said before, all options remain on the table,” she added.
As a reminder, Donald Trump unexpectedly suspended the duties on most of the US partner countries imposed a week ago on Wednesday, while also leaving in place a 10% tariff on all imports. At the same time, he raised tariffs on China to an unprecedented 125%.
This gesture of the White House has already caused partial stabilisation in the global financial markets, which were in a state of turbulence due to a new wave of US trade aggression.
