Overprotection weakens US competitiveness as Trump threatens 25% steel, aluminum tariffs: expert

In any case, the announced tariffs will harm American producers and consumers in the end,

said Drago Patrlj, Croatian political analyst

I hope we can avoid the misguided path of tariffs and counter-tariffs, as trade wars ultimately come at the expense of prosperity on both sides,

he added

If the U.S. leaves us no other choice, the EU will respond with a united position,

he said in a speech to the Bundestag on Tuesday

Donald Tuskprime Minister

It is worth doing everything to avoid unnecessary trade and customs wars, because this brings negative consequences for producers and consumers,

Tusk said before a government meeting

History shows that unilateral tariffs often provoke retaliatory measures, disrupting supply chains and undermining economic stability,

Hochschild noted, emphasizing that trade disputes

We have to respond. We can’t just do nothing,

said one EU diplomat, who like others in this story was granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter

The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests,

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement

Losing a significant part of these exports cannot be compensated for by EU exports to other markets,

Adam said

When he starts again now, then we will, of course, immediately reinstate our countermeasures,

Lange told rbb24 German radio

It will further worsen the situation of the European steel industry, exacerbating an already dire market environment,

said Henrik Adam, president of the European Steel Association

Ultimately, trade wars always cost both sides prosperity."

But he warned

Motorcycles, jeans, peanut butter, bourbon, whiskey and a whole range of products that of course also affect American exporters" would be targeted

he said

The EU sees no justification for the imposition of tariffs on our exports, which are economically counterproductive,

he said

We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers, ... it is not our preferred scenario. We remain committed to constructive dialog. We stand ready for negotiations and to find mutually beneficial solutions where possible.”

Šefčovič said,

There is a lot at stake for both sides,

he told the E.U. legislature

By imposing tariffs, the US will be taxing its own citizens, raising costs for its own business, and fuelling inflation,

he told the EU parliament in Strasbourg, France

Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered - they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures. The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests. We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers,

she added

As of Mar 12, 2025, all imports of aluminium articles and derivative aluminium articles from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU countries, and the UK shall be subject to the additional ad valorem tariff."

In one executive order, Trump said

It’s a big deal. This is the beginning of making America rich again,

Trump said on Monday night

Essentially, we’re putting on a 25pc tariff, without exception, on all aluminum and all steel, and it’s going to mean a lot of businesses are going to be opening in the United States.”

Mr Trump said