EU delays first tariffs on US imports until mid-April

The flag of Europe

The European Union (EU) decided to delay the first package of tariffs on US imports until mid-April to allow more time for discussions with Washington.

A spokesperson for the EU told CNBC on March 20 that the European Commission decided to adjust the timing of its two countermeasure packages against U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum. He added that the delay provides additional time for discussions with the US administration.

He emphasized that this change is a slight adjustment to the timeline and does not diminish the impact of the EU’s response, especially as the bloc continues to prepare for retaliatory measures on goods worth €26 billion.

Earlier this month, the EU indicated that it would adopt a dual approach—reimposing previously suspended tariffs and introducing additional tariffs on more goods.

These tariffs will apply to steel and aluminum, machinery parts, and knitting needles, and could extend to a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, industrial items such as textiles, leather products, home appliances, and more.