The European Union has announced a delay in the implementation of its trade countermeasures against the United States, extending the suspension until early August to allow more time for negotiations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels on Sunday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the decision was made in response to a letter from the U.S. government on Saturday warning of steep tariffs on European exports.
The letter, which threatened a 30% tariff on EU goods beginning August 1 unless a trade deal is reached, prompted the EU to pause its own retaliatory measures.
“We will therefore also extend the suspension of our countermeasures till early August,” von der Leyen said. “At the same time, we will continue to prepare further countermeasures so we are fully prepared.”
She emphasized the EU’s continued commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue: “We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution. This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now till the 1st of August to negotiate.”
The EU had initially planned to implement retaliatory tariffs on €21 billion ($25 billion) worth of U.S. exports by July 14, in response to Washington’s 25% duties on steel and aluminum imports imposed earlier this year. The delay marks the second time the bloc has suspended the implementation of its response.
Von der Leyen also revealed that the EU has finalized a second list of potential countermeasures in anticipation of further U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. She highlighted the bloc’s efforts to diversify its trade portfolio, citing a significant new free trade agreement with Indonesia.
Despite ongoing tensions, the economic relationship between the U.S. and the EU remains substantial. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, EU member states together represent America’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly $976 billion in bilateral goods trade in 2024.
“Few economies in the world match the European Union’s level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices,” von der Leyen added.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, both sides are expected to intensify talks in an effort to avoid a full-blown trade conflict.
