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The European Union has announced that it will delay the implementation of tariffs on US goods to allow more time for negotiations with the United States.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the United States is set to impose reciprocal tariffs on April 2 as part of President Donald Trump’s broader trade strategy, which he has branded “Liberation Day in America.” These tariffs will target countries that impose higher duties on US exports, but Trump has also indicated that non-tariff measures—such as value-added taxes (VATs) and digital services taxes—will factor into his administration’s decisions. Industries like autos, lumber, and copper are expected to be hit with new levies, with Trump emphasizing that the goal is to counter what he sees as unfair trade practices by foreign governments. His administration has also hinted at additional duties on European wine and spirits, warning that he could impose 200% tariffs on European alcohol. While the specifics remain unclear, Trump’s aggressive stance has already raised concerns among global trade partners, prompting warnings from the European Union and other nations about potential retaliatory measures.
What’s going on now: In a notable announcement, the European Union has decided to delay the implementation of its retaliatory tariffs on US goods until mid-April, a shift from its initial plan to impose them in two phases starting April 1. The tariffs were originally set to target $28 billion worth of American exports, impacting a wide range of industries, including steel, aluminum, whiskey, boats, motorcycles, poultry, beef, and agricultural products. The EU’s decision to delay comes amid ongoing negotiations with the United States, with officials stating that the move is meant to provide “additional time for discussions with the US administration.”
European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has made it clear that while the EU is open to finding a diplomatic resolution, it is not backing down from its stance. He said, “I have been entrusted by President von der Leyen to continue talks to try to find a solution with the US. On April 2, we will need to assess the action taken by the US and keep a flexible approach so as to calibrate our response accordingly.”
The EU has also expanded its list of potential tariff targets beyond what was previously announced, arguing that the new US tariffs on European steel and aluminum are significantly broader in scope and affect a much larger share of trade. In addition, the EU is expected to impose tariffs on semifinished and finished metal products, machinery parts, knitting needles, bourbon, textiles, leather goods, home appliances, and other industrial goods.
