EU Retaliates Against Trump’s Tariffs: Boosting Levies on Whiskey, Motorcycles, and Boats

In a defensive move against the new American tariffs on steel and aluminum, the EU Commission announced this morning (12.3.25) that starting in April, additional EU tariffs will be imposed on imports of American products such as whiskey, motorcycles, and boats. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports went into effect yesterday (11.3.25). Exemptions for EU countries and other states have been suspended following a directive issued in February. Trump argues that excessive imports of steel and aluminum threaten US national security and accuses China of flooding the global market with cheap metal. The EU tariffs target American goods worth 2.6 billion euros. The European Commission stated it would take ‘swift and proportionate’ measures. This announcement came just hours after the US government imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, escalating the trade war between the two long-time allies. For Europe, these new tariffs are nearly four times larger than similar tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term when the US targeted nearly $7 billion worth of bloc metal exports citing national security concerns. Additionally, Trump has announced reciprocal tariffs based on policies like the European VAT and has targeted certain goods, including European automobiles. Despite efforts by EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic to find an amicable solution, the US administration seems unwilling to commit to an agreement. The EU vows to protect its businesses, workers, and consumers from unjustified tariffs. Brussels has been working on various lists of goods to strike back swiftly and proportionally against any US moves.