The European Union plans to levy two parts of tariffs on the United States: one on the 15th of this month and the other on the 15th of next month

On April 7 local time, Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, stated that the EU’s first tranche of tariffs against the U.S. will take effect on April 15, and the second tranche on May 15. Šefčovič noted that EU member states will vote on countermeasures targeting U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on April 9. If approved, the two tranches of EU tariffs against the U.S. will be imposed on April 15 and May 15, respectively.

It was explained that the European Commission’s countermeasure proposal will be adopted unless opposed by 15 member states representing 65% of the EU’s population.

Earlier on April 7, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will establish an import monitoring task force and strengthen the single market to counter U.S. tariffs. Von der Leyen also proposed a zero-tariff arrangement for industrial goods with the U.S. and reiterated the EU’s openness to negotiations while being prepared to retaliate. She emphasized that the EU will focus "like a laser beam" on 83% of global trade outside the U.S.

On the same day, EU trade ministers convened in Luxembourg to discuss the impact of U.S. tariff hikes and exchange views on responses. An EU official stated that the meeting aimed to signal the bloc’s willingness to negotiate with the U.S. on tariffs, but it is ready to act if talks collapse.

Reuters reported that EU-U.S. trade talks have yet to yield results. The European Commission may release a preliminary list of countermeasures later on April 7, proposing tariffs on U.S. goods such as meat, grains, and timber. A vote on the list could occur within this week.