Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, voiced strong opposition to the reinstatement of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium entering the United States, which came into effect on 12 March. The tariffs, introduced by the US President Trump administration, have reignited tensions between the US and its European trading partners.
The tariffs have been a contentious point since they were initially introduced in 2018 during Trump’s presidency, when a 25% tax was imposed on steel imports and a 10% tax on aluminium. Despite attempts at negotiation and an agreement between the EU and US to discuss a Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium in 2021, the latest tariffs signify a regression in relations.
“Self-inflicted tariff pain”
Mr Lange, representing the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in Germany, condemned the move as another instance of “self-inflicted tariff pain” by the US administration. He asserted that the tariffs pose a significant threat to the EU-US trade relationship, which had previously been characterised as thriving, balanced, and sustainable.
“These tariffs are particularly detrimental,” Lange remarked. “They target US trade partners arbitrarily, lacking both legal and economic justification. Moreover, they do not address the pressing issue of non-market overcapacity that the steel and aluminium industries face across the Atlantic.”
Lange emphasised the EU’s readiness to respond to these measures, stating, “We are united and ready to respond firmly, fairly, and effectively. Trade is an exclusive competence of the Union, and Parliament stands fully behind the Commission in its response.”
He expressed hope for a more productive and cooperative future in transatlantic trade, asserting, “We believe there is ample room for a positive agenda. Together, we can help shape global standards, expand market access for our firms, tackle non-market overcapacity, decarbonise industries, address unfair trading practices, and reinvigorate a rules-based trading system.”
The choice now lays with the US, according to Lange: “They can either choose further trade chaos or expanded business opportunities. Whatever the choice, the EU is ready.”
In context, this latest development comes after President Trump’s proclamations on 10 February, which reinstated steel tariffs on the EU and increased aluminium tariffs to match. These measures eliminated previously granted exemptions, marking a stark shift in trade dynamics.
For context, the EU and the United States maintain the world’s largest bilateral trade and investment relationship, with trade in goods and services reaching an impressive €1.6 trillion in 2023. Each day, goods and services worth approximately €4.4 billion traverse the Atlantic, underscoring the critical nature of this economic bond.
The ongoing tariff disputes pose significant challenges for both sides, and the EU remains vigilant in its commitment to uphold fair trade practices.
Voice Cyprus News-2025
