Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which took effect today, will harm the European steel and aluminium industries – key sectors that support millions of jobs and are already under pressure. In response to these unjustified tariffs, the S&D Group welcomes the European Commission’s countermeasures and reiterates the need for a strong and strategic EU response. At the same time, the S&Ds call for all efforts to prevent further escalation and protect European industries and workers.

It is crucial to respond decisively to shield our industries and workers from these unlawful and damaging tariffs. We therefore call on the EU to use a broad range of  its trade defence tools, not only retaliatory tariffs but also non-tariff measures such as anti-coercion mechanisms and WTO procedures.

Kathleen van Brempt, S&D vice-president for international trade and development, said:

"The EU-US trade partnership is the largest in the world, and imposing steep tariffs, such as the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, undermines this long-standing relationship. As a result, it is workers, businesses, and economies on both sides of the Atlantic that pay the price.

“The Commission's countermeasures are a necessary step to defend European industries and workers against these unjustified US tariffs, and we encourage the Commission to go beyond counter-tariff measures by using the wide range of trade defence tools at our disposal. The EU cannot stand idle while our industries are targeted. By implementing broad measures that maximise pressure on the US while minimizing harm to the EU, we push the US administration back to the negotiating table and secure a fair, rules-based trade relationship that upholds European interests.”

Brando Benifei, S&D coordinator for international trade, said:

"We must act decisively, courageously, and in a united manner. Europe will not back down, and we therefore support the Commission’s countermeasures to protect our workers and economy. However, alongside a firm and proportionate retaliation against this unjustified US action, the Commission must also put in place a robust European strategy to support our industries and enhance their global competitiveness.

“If we do not strengthen our own steel and aluminium industries, we risk long-term damage while allowing the market to be flooded with cheap, high-emission steel imports from third countries. The EU already produces clean and sustainable steel, and by further promoting European steel production, we can help address the issue of global overcapacity while ensuring the resilience of our industries.”