BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered,” European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed on Tuesday, adding that they will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc. It means iconic U.S. industries like bourbon, jeans and motorcycles should beware.
“The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests,” von der Leyen said in a statement in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum on Monday.
“Tariffs are taxes — bad for business, worse for consumers,” von der Leyen said. “Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered — they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.”
The EU trade minister scheduled a first emergency video meeting on the bloc’s response on Tuesday.
“It is also important that everyone sticks together. Difficult times require such full solidarity,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, which holds the EU presidency.