Brussels, Belgium – The European Union has announced a delay in its official response to the United States’ latest round of tariffs, pushing the decision from April 1 to mid-April to allow more time for critical negotiations. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic shared the update during a session of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) in Brussels on Thursday.

Sefcovic emphasized that the EU remains committed to dialogue but warned that if no agreement is reached with Washington, the bloc will issue a “firm, proportionate, robust, and well-calibrated” response to defend its economic interests.

The tensions stem from recent US-imposed tariffs that significantly impacted the European automobile sector. In retaliation, the EU initiated countermeasures, prompting a sharp reaction from US President Donald Trump. Trump responded by threatening to introduce a staggering 200% tariff on European alcohol exports, dramatically escalating the trade dispute between the two allies.

Despite the heated exchanges, the EU's decision to delay its response signals a willingness to give diplomacy one last chance before resorting to stronger measures. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether a resolution can be found or if both sides move closer to an all-out trade confrontation.

The business community, particularly in sectors like automotive and alcohol, is closely watching developments, as the outcome could have significant implications for jobs, trade flows, and transatlantic economic relations. With the mid-April deadline approaching, pressure mounts on negotiators to find common ground and avoid further escalation.