Trump's 25% Steel Tariff Threat Met with EU's "Unfounded Unfair Measures" Rebuttal

The European Union (EU) Commission announced on the 10th (local time) that it will "respond to protect the interests of European companies, workers, and consumers from unfair measures" following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs on major items such as steel.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Commission issued a statement on the same day saying, "There is no justification for imposing tariffs on EU export products." In particular, it pointed out that "considering the production chains between the EU and the U.S. built through transatlantic trade and investment relations, imposing tariffs is unlawful and will have economic backlash."

The EU Commission criticized again, stating, "Tariffs are essentially a tax on Americans," and added, "They will increase corporate costs, fuel inflation, heighten economic uncertainty, and disrupt the efficiency and integration of global markets." However, it added that there has been no official notification from the U.S. government regarding the imposition of tariffs on EU exports at this time.

Earlier, President Trump, while on Air Force One heading to New Orleans to watch the Super Bowl, the final game of the National Football League (NFL), told reporters, "All steel and aluminum products entering the United States must pay a 25% tariff." Regarding the countries subject to the tariffs, he said "everybody."