Payam Javan: The European Union (EU) has announced plans to impose counter tariffs worth €26 billion ($28 billion) on American imports, effective April 1. This move comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the EU’s measures as “strong but proportionate,” emphasizing their goal of safeguarding European businesses and consumers. The new tariffs will target a range of U.S. products, including boats, bourbon, motorbikes, as well as industrial and agricultural goods.

Despite this retaliatory step, the EU remains open to dialogue, warning that escalating trade tensions would be harmful to both economies. “At a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is in neither side’s interest to impose further trade barriers,” von der Leyen stated.

The EU will conduct a two-week consultation period before finalizing the list of affected U.S. products.