Considered Picu Perang Dagang, Komisi Eropa Bakal 'Balas' Tariff Import Baja-Aluminum Trump

JAKARTA - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised to take "firm and proportional countermeasures" in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to charge all steel and aluminum imports. Trump's latest policy tariff raises fears of a trade war.

Trump signed the decision to increase the tariff for all steel and aluminum imports to 25 percent without exception. White House officials said the action would take effect on March 4.

Von der Leyen said his party deeply regretted the US decision. He said tariffs are poor taxes for businesses and worse for consumers.

EU steel exports to the US averaged 3 billion euros (3.10 billion US dollars) per year over the past decade.

Unfair rates against the EU will not be left alone this will trigger firm and proportional countermeasures. The EU will act to protect its interests," he said.

Von der Leyen did not provide details of his response. One option is to reactivate the rates imposed by the EU in 2018, which were suspended based on an agreed ceasefire between von der Leyen and former US President Joe Biden.

EU rates for US products such asiri, motorcycles, and orange juice are currently suspended until the end of March.

European Union Trade Head Maros Sefcovic described the US decision in a speech at the European Parliament as a 'loss-loss scenario'.

The European Commission is currently assessing the scope of US action and the European Union's appropriate response.

Trump's latest trade 'Salvo' pushed the gold price to a record high on Tuesday as safe-haven demand, with precious metals hitting 2.942.70 US dollars at the start of trading.

The Commission will listen to 27 EU members' views on the block's response at a video conference of EU trade ministers held on Wednesday.

Trump's tariffs of steel and aluminum in 2018 were suspended under the leadership of his successor Joe Biden. But replaced with a quota.

EU steel producers experienced a decrease in export volume to the United States by around 1 million tons to 2.2 million tons in 2019-2024.

The industry's main concern is that 15 million tonnes imported by the United States last year from countries other than the EU will be diverted to the bloc if the tariff is enforced.