The European Union has decided to pause its planned retaliatory tariffs on a range of United States goods for 90 days, as announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
This move follows a U.S. decision to delay most of its own tariffs.
The EU’s retaliatory package, which had been approved by member states on Wednesday, was crafted in response to the U.S.’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed last month.
The first wave of EU duties was scheduled to take effect on April 15, but will now be put on hold as both sides seek to de-escalate trade tensions.
“We took note of the announcement by President Trump. We want to give negotiations a chance,” von der Leyen said on Thursday.
“If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in. Preparatory work on further countermeasures continues. As I have said before, all options remain on the table.”
In addition to former President Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, the EU was recently hit with a sweeping 20% U.S. tariff on nearly all goods.
However, on Wednesday, Trump surprised markets by announcing a temporary reduction: new tariff rates on imports from most U.S. trade partners, including the EU, would drop to 10% for 90 days.
This pause is intended to provide space for renewed trade negotiations and potentially de-escalate tensions.
U.S. stock markets surged after Trump announced a temporary tariff reduction, sparking optimism over easing trade tensions.
In a statement earlier Thursday, von der Leyen said she welcomed the pause of Trump’s full “reciprocal tariff” plan, calling it an “important step towards stabilizing the global economy.”
“Tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers. That’s why I’ve consistently advocated for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the European Union and the United States,” she said.
