EU's von der Leyen warns of countermeasures if U.S. 30% tariffs go ahead

13/7/2025 6:28

The EU is ready to retaliate to safeguard its interests if the U.S. proceeds with imposing a threatened 30% tariff on European goods starting on August 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday.



However, von der Leyen, head of the EU executive which handles trade policy for the 27 member countries of the EU, said it was also ready to keep working towards an agreement by August 1.



"Few economies in the world match the European Union's level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices," she said in response to new threats by U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday escalating a trade war Europe had hoped to avoid.



"We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," she said of possible retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods entering Europe.



European capitals swiftly backed that position.