The first part of the tariffs imposed by the European Union in retaliation against the US customs duties will come into effect on April 15. Maros Sefcovic, the EU Commission’s Trade Commissioner, and Michal Baranowski, Deputy Minister of Economy in Poland and the current EU Council Presidency holder, announced that the Union’s response to the US tariffs cannot be delayed. Sefcovic stated that negotiations with the US are in the early stages and that the EU is fully prepared to sit down at the negotiating table when our American partners are ready. Sefcovic emphasized that all member states’ trade ministers are acting in unison within the Union, and while the EU Commission’s priority is a solution through negotiations, they cannot wait forever for the US.

Sefcovic highlighted the significant impact of the US’s customs duties on the EU’s exports, stating, “We are talking about €380 billion worth of exports to the US. Seventy percent of our total exports are subject to import duties, ranging from 20% to 27.5% with the current tariffs. For example, this is the case with passenger cars. We proposed a zero tariff rate for cars and all industrial products.” Sefcovic stressed that following discussions with member countries in response to the US’s steel and aluminum tariffs, work on retaliatory measures is underway, with the vote set for April 9, final list approval on April 15, and customs duties on products taking effect the same day.

Sefcovic announced that the second part of the measures will be implemented on May 15 in full compliance with the World Trade Organization’s methodology, with the final list set to be submitted this evening and voting expected on Wednesday. Once completed, customs duties will be collected starting on April 15 for the first part of the process, followed by the second phase 30 days later on May 15. Sefcovic expressed confidence in eventually sitting down at the negotiating table with the US and reaching a mutually acceptable compromise.Baranowski, the Polish Deputy Minister, stated their intention to give US partners time to reflect thoroughly on the situation, adding that these solutions may not be very beneficial for the US economy.