Stay Informed: Navigating the Impact of U.S.- EU Trade Measures on Your Supply Chain
Stay Informed: Navigating the Impact of U.S.- EU Trade Measures on Your Supply Chain
The United States has recently imposed tariffs of up to 25% on imports of steel, aluminium, and certain derivative products from the European Union. Additionally, Donald Trump unveiled his so-called ‘Liberation Day’ reciprocal tariffs, with a tariff of 10% on imported European products as from 5 April 2025 and an additional tariff of 10% as from 9 April 2025. Steel, aluminium and automobiles, which are already subject to import levies, will not be affected by the new reciprocal tariffs. However, Trump is expected to announce further tariffs on copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber in the near future.
On April 9th, President Trump announced that he has authorized a 90-day pause for the country-specific reciprocal tariffs. Additionally, he confirmed that he has raised the tariffs to 125% for China.
Following this announcement, President von der Leyen has also put the EU countermeasures on hold for 90 days. Her statement can be consulted here.
On April 9th, President Trump announced that he has authorized a 90-day pause for the country-specific reciprocal tariffs. Additionally, he confirmed that he has raised the tariffs to 125% for China.
Following this announcement, President von der Leyen has also put the EU countermeasures on hold for 90 days. Her statement can be consulted here.
Why This Matters
These developments could significantly impact transatlantic trade, potentially disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for industries that rely on these materials.Your Action Plan
- Stay updated: monitor official communications from the European Commission regarding trade measures and potential countermeasures.
- Assess impact: evaluate how these tariffs could affect your supply chain, pricing strategies, business model and overall operations.
- Engage proactively: seize the moment to evaluate and incorporate contractual safeguards in your strategic, long-term contracts (price revision, hardship, commercial mediation, etc…) both with suppliers, distributors and customers.
The European Commission has initiated a consultation process to gather insights on the U.S. tariffs and potential EU responses. This consultation process has ended on 26th of March 2025.
The Commission has also identified U.S.-origin products that may be subject to potential suspensions of concessions and additional import duties. The full list of the US products which could be subject to possible commercial policy measures can be downloaded here.