'A bad day for world trade': EU retaliates to Trump's tariffs

Fears of trade war resurface

clock • 3 min read

The European Union (EU) has retaliated to US President Donald Trump extending tariffs on steel and aluminium to the bloc, confirming it is launching a dispute settlement case and adding further taxes to US imports.

Trump's tariffs, which will comprise 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium, were enacted at midnight (1 June) and hit EU exports valued at €6.4bn in 2017, as well as Canada and Mexico, after talks failed. French President Emmanuel Macron is believed to have told Trump the move is "illegal" and that the EU would react "in a firm and proportionate manner". In response, the European Commission has confirmed it would be triggering a dispute settlement case at the World Trade Organisation and will impose "rebalancing measures and take any necessary steps to protect the EU market from trade div...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

OBR chair says leak could have come from 'external person'

OBR chair says leak could have come from 'external person'

OBR faces scrutiny after key document shared before Budget

Jen Frost
clock 27 November 2025 • 2 min read
Budget 25: Early OBR reports downgrades UK growth outlook as fiscal headroom doubles

Budget 25: Early OBR reports downgrades UK growth outlook as fiscal headroom doubles

OBR report released in 'unprecedented leak'

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 26 November 2025 • 1 min read
Budget 25: Council tax surcharge for £2m properties revealed

Budget 25: Council tax surcharge for £2m properties revealed

High Value Council Tax Surcharge in place from April 2028

Jen Frost
clock 26 November 2025 • 2 min read