WASHINGTON — President Trump's administration moved this week to impose new tariffs on a range of imported goods, drawing swift condemnation from key U.S. trading partners.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the duties were "completely unjustified" and pledged a "robust and proportionate response." Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland echoed the sentiment, saying Ottawa would "take all necessary steps" to protect its industries.
The tariffs target goods valued at an estimated $12 billion annually from the EU and $4 billion from Canada, though exact product lists are still emerging.
The White House justified the tariffs as necessary to protect domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits. Industries including steel, aluminum and certain automotive parts have long lobbied for increased protection from foreign competition, arguing that global oversupply harms U.S. jobs and production capacity. Those sectors stand to gain from reduced import competition.
Retaliatory tariffs are expected to target politically sensitive U.S. exports. European officials have historically focused on agricultural products, bourbon and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in past trade disputes. Such measures would primarily affect U.S. farmers in the Midwest and South, along with specific manufacturing hubs.
The move adds strain to alliances already tested by previous trade disputes and could complicate international cooperation on other fronts.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has consistently opposed unilateral tariffs, warning they raise costs for U.S. exporters and consumers. Its lobbying has focused on negotiated trade agreements over punitive measures. The Alliance for American Manufacturing has pushed in the opposite direction, arguing such protections are vital for domestic industry survival.
Negotiations are expected to begin in the coming weeks, but the initial stance from both sides points to a difficult path forward. The EU has a 90-day window under its trade defense mechanisms to finalize its counter-tariff list, with implementation likely by late Oct. if no resolution is reached.
