The European Union is prepared to implement “reciprocal” tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the United States if President Donald Trump proceeds with his proposed 25% duties on European goods, stated French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, February 28.
Macron emphasized that if the tariffs are enacted, “Europeans will respond, and thus there will be reciprocal tariffs. We must protect and defend ourselves,” he remarked during a state visit in Porto, Portugal. He added, “We cannot appear weak in the face of these actions,” while standing alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. Montenegro also noted, “Europe must react to the tariffs at the same or a comparable level,” asserting that “it would be illogical not to respond in kind.”
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On Wednesday, Trump announced his intention to impose 25% tariffs on the EU, mirroring the rates set for imports from Canada and Mexico, which will take effect next week, while China will face a 10% additional tariff. He indicated that these new tariffs would affect various products, including automobiles, claiming that the EU has “really taken advantage of us,” which further escalates tensions between Washington and its European partners.
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