In response to US President Donald Trump’s signature of two executive orders amending the US tariffs on steel and aluminium, which came into force on 12 March 2025, the European Union has decided to retaliate by adopting proportional countermeasures.
How will the European Union respond?
The European Union is planning to introduce measures to protect its trade interests against the United States, in turn increasing customs duties on a host of American products.
Currently being finalised, these countermeasures will be based on those adopted in May 2018, already in response to an initial imposition of additional duties on steel, aluminium and certain derivatives imposed by the United States.
Anticipate the consequences!
This response is likely to heighten tensions between the United States and the European Union, making trade between the two parties even more complex.
New implications for exporters and manufacturers:
- Higher import costs, with a risk of this being passed on to final selling prices.
- More complex supply chains, particularly in the construction, automotive and infrastructure sectors.
- Tighter customs controls and increased regulatory compliance requirements.
How can we prepare for these changes?
Companies exporting to the United States must now :
- Analyse the potential impact on their supply chain and production costs.
- Consider alternative solutions: partial relocation, adjustment of processes, diversification of supply sources.
ASD Group supports you
ASD Group offers you tailor-made support to make your procedures in the United States easier. Our team of experts is on hand to provide you with personalised advice and answer all your questions.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
Source: Treasury Directorate General (in french)
