EU postpones retaliatory tariffs by 90 days, prior scheduled for April 15, 2025

The European Union member states had reportedly decided to delay the implementation of tariffs, originally scheduled to commence on 15 April, by a period of ninety days. According to a statement released by the European Commission, it was indicated that should ongoing negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results, retaliatory measures would be enforced.

This development was said to follow the United States' earlier decision in March to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU. Concurrently, it was noted that the US had raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, prompting China to respond with 84% tariffs of its own. The European Commission was quoted as describing the US tariffs as unjustified and harmful, with potential repercussions for both economies as well as global trade. The EU had reportedly expressed its preference for a negotiated resolution that would benefit all parties involved.

Meanwhile, sources suggested that the US administration had temporarily suspended increased tariffs for certain nations for a ninety-day period while maintaining a baseline 10% duty. Analysts were said to have linked this shift in policy to the broader economic impact of tariffs, including fluctuations in bond and equity markets.

Amid these trade tensions, energy policies were observed to be diverging between the US and Europe. While the US was reported to be supporting fossil fuel expansion—including a recent executive order aimed at reviving the coal sector—the EU was said to remain focused on advancing clean energy initiatives.

Read More About Steel Production Cost Reports - Request Free Sample Copy in PDF

During an address at the 2025 Cleantech Conference in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was cited as highlighting efforts to streamline permitting for green projects and establish regulatory frameworks for low-carbon hydrogen, with the aim of providing certainty for investors and businesses working toward industrial decarbonization.