URGENT: EU approves 1st set of countermeasures against US tariffs

The European Union (EU) member states voted on Wednesday in favour of the European Commission’s proposal to introduce trade countermeasures in response to the US’s tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU.

The Commission’s proposal follows a decision by the US in March to impose these tariffs, which the EU has strongly condemned.

“The EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy,” the European Commission said in a statement.

Despite these measures, the EU reiterated its preference for a negotiated outcome with the US that would be mutually beneficial and balanced.

Following today’s vote, the countermeasures will take effect once the Commission’s internal procedures are completed and the implementing act is published. The EU’s new duties will begin being collected on April 15.

The EU has also made it clear that these countermeasures can be suspended if the US agrees to a fair and balanced resolution through negotiations.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser