EU postpones retaliatory tariffs against the US until August 1
13 July 2025 20:08
The European Commission will not introduce retaliatory measures in the customs dispute with the United States on July 14, as previously planned, but will postpone them until early August, Reuters reported on Sunday, July 13, citing EC President Ursula von der Leyen. The politician explained her decision by the desire to see if it is possible to reach an agreement with the administration of US President Donald Trump, who had previously threatened the EU with a 30 percent duty starting August 1.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to DW.
Since Washington had previously raised a number of duties, including on European products, the EU’s retaliatory measures were to take effect on Monday, July 14. However, according to Reuters, citing sources, the German government and some other states have called for the abandonment of this step in order not to complicate negotiations with the United States.
The day before, Ursula von der Leyen warned that the introduction of 30 percent duties on EU exports “would disrupt crucial transatlantic supply chains, harming businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.” “We will take all necessary measures to protect the interests of the EU, including taking proportionate retaliatory measures if necessary,” the politician concluded.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa said that the EU remains “united” and “ready to defend” its interests. “Tariffs are taxes. They fuel inflation, create uncertainty and hinder economic growth. We will continue to build strong trade partnerships around the world,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called for a response to Trump’s duties. According to him, Paris shares von der Leyen’s “strong disapproval” of Trump’s intention to impose new duties. He supported the European Commission in the negotiations, “which will now be intensified with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement” between Brussels and Washington by August 1. But he also called for speeding up the preparation of “credible countermeasures” using all the tools at the European Commission’s disposal, “including measures to counter coercion if no agreement is reached by August 1.”
