The European Union has decided to postpone its planned countermeasures against the United States over tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on steel and aluminum imports. Initially set to take effect in early April, the EU’s retaliatory tariffs will now be implemented in mid-April, allowing for further discussions and adjustments to the list of targeted U.S. goods.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic explained that aligning the two phases of countermeasures would enable consultations with member states while creating additional time for negotiations with Washington. The EU had originally planned to impose a 50% tariff on U.S. bourbon as part of its initial response, but officials are now reconsidering which American products to target.
The delay also reflects divisions within the EU regarding its approach to the dispute. French Prime Minister François Bayrou suggested that singling out American whiskey might not be the best strategy, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned against escalating tensions with Washington. Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose country is a major whiskey exporter, supported the decision to delay, emphasizing the need for a calculated and strategic response.
Meanwhile, the U.S. remains focused on its own trade policies, with the Trump administration planning new reciprocal tariffs on April 2. Sefcovic noted that negotiations with U.S. officials had made little progress, as their priority seemed to be attracting investment and strengthening domestic industries through tariff policies.
The EU’s decision to delay retaliation signals a willingness to seek a diplomatic resolution, but it remains to be seen whether talks will lead to a breakthrough or if a full-fledged trade conflict will unfold in the coming weeks.
