EU extends suspension of counter-tariff measures in response to US measures until August

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday that the European Union will extend the suspension of counter-tariff measures on US goods until early August, despite Washington’s announcement of a 30% tariff on European products.

Von der Leyen said during a press conference: “The United States has sent an official letter containing measures that will take effect unless a negotiated agreement is reached.” She explained that the Commission will use the period until early August to work on a negotiated solution that avoids the imposition of reciprocal tariffs between the two sides.

This announcement came after US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday his intention to impose 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1, citing a “long-standing” trade deficit with the European bloc and indicating that the tariffs would be reduced if the European Union or its member states decided to invest in construction or manufacturing within the United States. Commenting on the situation, von der Leyen stressed that the European Union is ready to take all necessary measures to protect its interests, including imposing countermeasures if necessary.

In a related context, Kaya Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, confirmed in press statements that the bloc has the “tools” to defend its interests, particularly by targeting the services sector that the United States exports to Europe, noting that Europe is in a strong position in this sector.

These developments come amid escalating tensions in trade relations between the European Union and the United States, which include a dispute over tariffs on steel and aluminum, and the threat of additional tariffs on strategic sectors such as the automotive, aircraft, and pharmaceutical industries.

It is worth noting that the European Union had previously suspended the imposition of countermeasures on US goods worth approximately €21 billion to provide an opportunity to reach a broader trade agreement with Washington, but the recent US announcement has re-escalated tensions between the two sides.