THE EU IS ready to respond to new US tariffs, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said.

In an early-morning address, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement to slap a 20% tariff on exports from the EU last night, von der Leyen slammed the decision and demanded that the trading partners settle the dispute through negotiations. 

Von der Leyen said the EU remains open to talks to settle the US tariffs, but will respond with pre-prepared countermeasures if negotiations don’t proceed.

“I know many of you feel let down by our oldest ally,” she said this morning, adding that she ‘regrets’ that the EU has to decide whether or not to tax American imports.

She said there seemed to be “no order in the disorder”, as the tariffs issued by Trump last night are largely unexplained and contrary to normal, global trade relations. Von der Leyen was adamant, however, that it would respond if negotiations do not work.

“There seems to be no order in the disorder. No clear path through the complexity and chaos that is being created as all US trading partners are hit,” she said.

The universal tariffs announced by the US are a major blow to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Europe is prepared to respond.

We'll always protect our interests and values.
We're also ready to engage.

And to go from confrontation to negotiation ↓ https://t.co/WbXqsN4ZX7

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 3, 2025

The EU’s response is the cause of great uncertainty as it may cause major disruption to individual member states’ economies – most of all, Ireland’s. Speaking at 4am Irish time, the European Commission president said further measures would be imposed to protect the EU’s economy and businesses.

“There is an alternative path. It is not too late to address concerns through negotiations,” she said.

Von der Leyen added that that tariffs will likely have an extremely adverse impact on Europeans: ”It will be felt immediately. Millions of citizens will face higher grocery bills. Medication will cost more as well as transportation. Inflation will go up.”

She said the implementation of tariffs on countries from around the globe – particularly from the developing world – is the “opposite” of what the EU is trying to achieve.

Finally, the German politician stressed the importance of the EU’s single market and promoted internal-market trade between the member states, a key policy platform of her College of Commissioners.

She added that the Commission is working to improve trade relations with other nations in light of the US’ tariff announcement as well, with reporting suggesting new trade deals between the EU and China might be negotiated if the American taxes continue.

With reporting by AFP