EU Commission Regrets Increase In U.S. Steel Tariffs

The European Commission said that it "strongly" regrets the increase in U.S. tariffs on steel imports and signaled that the EU is prepared to impose countermeasures.

The EU stated that it is "prepared to impose countermeasures."

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he plans to raise tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50% from 25%, increasing pressure on global steel producers and deepening his trade war, Lili Bayer reported for Reuters on May 31, 2025.

“We strongly regret the announced increase of U.S. tariffs on steel imports from 25% to 50%,” a European Commission spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“This decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” the spokesperson added, noting that “the tariff increase also undermines ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated solution.”

The spokesperson also noted that the European Union had paused its countermeasures to allow space for continued negotiations.

“The EU is prepared to impose countermeasures, including in response to the latest U.S. tariff increase,” the spokesperson said.

“The European Commission is currently finalizing consultations on expanded countermeasures. If no mutually acceptable solution is reached, both existing and additional EU measures will automatically take effect on July 14—or earlier, if circumstances require.”