Egypt Daily News – The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed “deep regret” over the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports, stating that the European Union “will not leave these unjustified measures unanswered.”
Von der Leyen clarified that Brussels “will take firm and proportionate countermeasures to protect its economic interests and safeguard the rights of European workers, businesses, and consumers,” emphasizing that these tariffs “harm businesses and consumers.”
The President of the European Council, António Costa, voiced his support for the stance of the European Commission President, saying in a post on X: “I fully endorse the Commission’s position in ensuring a firm and proportionate response to these unjustified tariffs.”
He continued: “The European Union stands united in defending the interests of its companies, workers, and citizens… We are a reliable and predictable partner, and we will continue to strive for fair global trade.”
For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated: “We benefit from Europe like no other country, and we are the largest exporting nation. If the European Union is targeted by American tariffs, as is the case with steel and aluminum, we rely on European solidarity more than any other country.”
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed two new executive orders imposing tariffs of 25% on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum. During the signing of several executive orders at the White House, Trump said: “We are imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum. These industries were once great.”
He justified his decision by stating that he wants to save these two industries and bring companies to operate in the United States, adding: “It is time for the great industries to return to America. This will bring many jobs to Americans.”
He emphasized that “protecting the steel and aluminum industries is a duty, and we must ensure we safeguard the future of our country” and added “If it’s made in the United States, there’s no tariff. All you have to do is come and manufacture it in America. These tariffs will save the United States a lot of money.”
When asked about consumers and whether these tariffs might lead to price increases, Trump responded: “Ultimately, prices will go down because they will come here, and there won’t be a tariff here.”
During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, but he granted many trading partners partial exemptions from these tariffs by allocating quota-based exclusions later.
However, Trump confirmed on Monday that there would be no exemptions this time.
