The European Union will begin applying retaliatory tariffs on selected U.S. goods from April 15, following the decision by EU member states to support the European Commission’s proposal. The move comes in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium introduced last month. In a statement, the Commission said the U.S. measures are viewed as unjustified and economically damaging, not only to both parties but also to the global economy. While the Commission did not specify which products will be affected or the tariff rates in its announcement, previous media reports suggest the EU will impose a 25% tariff on a broad range of U.S. exports. These include agricultural products such as soybeans, corn, rice, almonds, orange juice, cranberries, and tobacco, as well as iron, steel, aluminium, selected ships and vehicles, textiles, clothing, and cosmetic products. Bourbon and whisky were reportedly excluded from the list, reflecting the preferences of certain member states, particularly France and Italy. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the tariffs on steel and aluminium in March. In its initial reaction, the European Commission indicated it was preparing countermeasures potentially worth €26 billion. However, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič later clarified that the final scope would be lower—about €22.1 billion—after considering feedback from member states. The Commission reiterated its preference for a negotiated settlement, describing such an outcome as both balanced and mutually beneficial. It also noted that the approved countermeasures could be suspended if the U.S. agrees to a fair compromise. The vote took place in the Commission’s Advisory Committee, which handles trade measures and includes representatives from each member state. According to sources from the Czech News Agency (CTK), only one country opposed the proposal—reportedly Hungary. Further EU measures in response to other planned U.S. tariffs, including those targeting vehicles, are still under review. Analyses of the potential economic impact are ongoing.