European Union has decided to hit the brakes on its big, bad counter-tariff plans after U.S. President Donald Trump threw the world a curveball on April 9. Trump, in a move that screamed “just kidding, folks,” slashed his hefty new tariffs on dozens of countries less than 24 hours after slapping them on—because nothing says “stable leadership” like a trade policy U-turn faster than you can say “stock market meltdown.”
EU, led by its cool-headed chief Ursula von der Leyen, said, “Alright, Don, we’ll give peace a chance—for 90 days, anyway.”
Originally, the EU was gearing up to smack tariffs on $23.25 billion worth of U.S. goodies—like bourbon, jeans, and Harley-Davidsons—starting next Tuesday, in retaliation for Trump’s 25% steel and aluminum duties. But with Trump’s sudden reprieve (except for China, which he’s still arm-wrestling in a trade war cage match), the EU’s decided to chill out and “negotiate.”
Von der Leyen took to X, basically saying, “We’re pausing the payback, but don’t test us—our tariff guns are still loaded, and we’ve got 90 days to see if you’re serious.” Meanwhile, Trump’s team is juggling offers from 15 countries like they’re contestants on Trade Deal or No Deal, with White House adviser Kevin Hassett hinting they’re “this close” to some agreements.
Global markets, which had been throwing a tantrum worse than a toddler denied candy, sighed in relief—stocks soared, and leaders unclenched a bit. But not everyone’s popping champagne. French wine folks called it “half good news,” grumbling that a 90-day truce and lingering 10% duties still mean pricier cognac and a logistical headache.
And Trump? He’s keeping that 10% “blanket duty” on most imports, plus the steel and auto tariffs, just to remind everyone he’s still the big kid on the playground. So, for now, the EU’s playing nice, but it’s clear they’re ready to unleash the tariff beast if Trump’s deal-making doesn’t deliver.
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