On March 11, 2025, the European Union (EU) announced retaliatory tariffs as 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum U.S. imports went into effect at 12:01 a.m. March 12, 2025 ending all country-specific aluminum quotas and exclusions. These EU countermeasures target approximately €26 billion (around $28.4 billion) worth of U.S. goods and are set to be implemented in two phases starting April 1.
The EU’s counter-tariffs will be introduced in two stages:
- April 1, 2025: Reintroduction of previously suspended tariffs on U.S. goods, affecting products worth approximately €4.5 billion.
- Mid-April 2025: Additional duties targeting U.S. exports valued at around €18 billion, following consultations with EU member states and industries to minimize adverse effects on the European economy.
SCOPE OF THE EU TARIFFS
The EU’s retaliatory measures encompass a diverse array of U.S. products, including:
- Industrial Products: Items such as motorcycles, boats, and various machinery.
- Agricultural Goods: Products like beef, poultry, seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables.
- Consumer Goods: Items including bourbon whiskey, peanut butter, textiles, leather goods, home appliances, and cosmetics.
GUIDANCE FOR SHIPPERS
As the complexity of trade compliance with new regulations increases, shippers are encouraged to review the impact to their supply chains with local Customs teams.
For an overview of U.S. tariffs and trade policies, please see Green Worldwide Shipping’s recent webinar series:
MARCH 10, 2025 – WEBINAR RECORDING
U.S. Tariff & Trade Policy Update For Mexico, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Section 232 & MoreFEBRUARY 6, 2025 – WEBINAR RECORDING
Canada, Mexico, China Tariff Impact for U.S. Shippers & Supply Chains
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