Europe has issued a warning to President Donald Trump that it has a “strong plan” for retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. if the Trump administration goes through with its April 2 import levies plan.
According to CNN, the upcoming tariff day, or “Liberation Day,” will include tariffs on a range of imported items, added to the already existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars.
Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Union, said in a speech that Europe does not necessarily want to hit back, but noted it could be something they have to do.
“Europe has not started this confrontation,” von der Leyen said. “We do not necessarily want to retaliate but, if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it.”
Von de Leyen pointed out, however, that Europe would be approaching the tariffs “from a position of strength,” and added that “all instruments are on the table.”
“We will approach these negotiations from a position of strength. Europe holds a lot of cards, from trade to technology to the size of our market,” von de Leyen said. “But this strength is also built on our readiness to take firm countermeasures if necessary. All instruments are on the table.”
The tariff plan is reportedly being shared Wednesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, which could match tariffs imposed on the U.S. dollar for dollar.
CNN further reported that the European Union had already retaliated by unveiling countermeasures on €26 billion worth of American exports, including tariffs on boats, bourbon, and motorbikes, which is roughly $28 billion USD.
During a speech in February, von de Leyen said the relationship between the U.S. and Europe was important, noting that the trade volume between the two was worth $1.5 trillion and added that 1 million American jobs depended on trade with Europe.
