European officials were blindsided by Trump’s surprise Saturday declaration that a blanket 30 percent tariff would be applied, and any additional raises the EU implemented in retaliation would be matched. Staff were called in to work at short notice and a statement refusing to rule out countermeasures was issued in von der Leyen’s name.
The further countermeasures, or retaliatory tariffs, would target an estimated €72 billion in U.S. exports and will be presented to EU capitals on Monday, according to two EU diplomats.
“We have as you know a two-track approach. We have always been clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case,” von der Leyen said.
Over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron called on Brussels to take a tougher line against the U.S. following the announcement of the tariffs.
“It is more than ever up to the Commission to assert the Union’s determination to resolutely defend European interests,” he wrote online. “In particular, this implies speeding up the preparation of credible countermeasures, by mobilising all the instruments at its disposal, including anti-coercion, if no agreement is reached by August 1st.”
The countermeasures — which could affect €21 billion of U.S. products like soybeans, motorcycles and orange juice — were due to take effect from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. Their suspension comes after the bloc vowed it would respond following Trump’s announcement Saturday.