EU says it could retaliate against US tariffs if no trade deal is reached [View all]

Source: USA Today

July 12, 2025, 10:13 p.m. ET


WASHINGTON – The European Union warned it could retaliate against the United States if a trade agreement has not been reached by August 1, opening a new front in the fight with President Donald Trump over higher tariffs.

Negotiators from the EU have worked for weeks to strike a deal with the Trump administration. In a statement on July 12, the European Commission said it would continue to work toward a resolution.

"At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

The EU paused planned countermeasures on more than $24 billion of goods from the United States in April after Trump delayed an announced tariff hike for 90 days amid trade negotiations. However, after Trump unveiled a 30% tariff for the European Union on July 12, the 27-country bloc suggested it might retaliate in kind.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/07/12/eu-tariffs-countermeasures-trade-war-trump/84854984007/