The European Union has postponed its first countermeasures against the United States, which were prepared in response to metal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, until mid-April.
The European Commission had proposed restoring 2018 tariffs on US goods worth 4.5 billion euros starting April 1, with a second set of tariffs on goods worth 18 billion euros beginning April 13.
“Right now, we are considering the possibility of aligning the timing of both sets of EU countermeasures so we can consult with member states on both lists simultaneously, and this will also give us additional time to negotiate with our American partners,” said European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič during hearings in the European Parliament on Thursday.
The Commission later confirmed that all EU countermeasures will come into force in mid-April.
The first package of countermeasures includes applying a 50% tariff on American bourbon. Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all wines and other alcoholic products from the EU if the Union proceeds with this.
The Trump administration also plans to introduce “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2 to restore balance in the global trading system.
Maroš Šefčovič noted that he had made limited progress in negotiations with US counterparts, for example, regarding his proposal to discuss reducing import duties on industrial goods.
“I don’t think the US is thinking in this direction,” he said, adding that their priority seems to be attracting investment and reindustrializing the country.
“And now they believe the best way to do that is through tariff policy. I hope that one day we will get to this discussion, but we are clearly not there yet,” he said.
The delay in the countermeasures could allow for certain adjustments to the American goods targeted by them.
