Brussels: The European Union has announced a 90-day suspension of its planned tariff retaliation against the United States, mirroring a similar pause introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move is intended to create space for negotiations, but the EU made it clear that it stands ready to resume countermeasures if diplomatic efforts stall.
The temporary halt comes in response to Trump’s recent decision to suspend a planned 20% tariff on goods from the European Union for 90 days. In retaliation, the EU had prepared a sweeping package targeting over €20 billion worth of U.S. goods, including items such as soybeans, motorcycles, and beauty products.
Announcing the decision on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, “We took note of the announcement by President Trump. We want to give negotiations a chance. While finalising the adoption of the EU countermeasures that saw strong support from our member states, we will put them on hold for 90 days”.
Von der Leyen emphasized that this move is conditional and far from a retreat. She reiterated that “all options remain on the table” and confirmed that preparatory work on additional countermeasures is continuing.
Just hours earlier, von der Leyen welcomed Trump’s initial pause on tariffs as a positive step toward economic stability. “Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function. 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. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to constructive dialogue aimed at fostering mutually beneficial and frictionless trade.
The pause on both sides follows mounting global concern over escalating trade tensions. Trump, addressing his decision on Truth Social, declared, “I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE” on the new tariffs for most countries, citing outreach from over 75 nations that expressed a desire to avoid retaliation and engage in negotiations.
However, Trump also took a sharply different stance on China, imposing a dramatic tariff hike from the U.S., stating, “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125 percent, effective immediately”.
Doubling down, he added, “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable”.
While a temporary de-escalation appears to be underway between the U.S. and the EU, the outcome of the 90-day negotiation window remains uncertain. Both parties have signaled readiness for diplomacy—but also made clear that trade weapons remain within reach if talks do not produce results.
