AsianFin -- The European Union unveiled retaliatory trade measures on Wednesday in response to the Trump administration's decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports. The EU's countermeasures will target industrial and agricultural goods from the U.S., with the new duties set to take effect on April 1.

While the EU had anticipated these U.S. tariffs and prepared accordingly, the measures exacerbate an already tense relationship between the two sides. Only last month, Washington had warned Europe it would need to take responsibility for its own security in the future. The EU's retaliatory actions will cover U.S. goods worth approximately €26 billion ($28 billion), including not only steel and aluminum but also textiles, home appliances, and agricultural products.

In contrast, the United Kingdom, which is no longer part of the EU, announced that it would not impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. The U.K. government expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision to levy tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "As the U.S. is imposing tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures worth €26 billion." The Commission, which handles trade and commercial conflicts for the EU's 27 member states, reiterated its openness to negotiations. Von der Leyen emphasized that, in an increasingly uncertain global environment, tariffs are not in the best interest of either party.

The EU's countermeasures will impact a range of products, including steel and aluminum, textiles, leather goods, home appliances, household tools, plastics, wood, and various agricultural products such as poultry, beef, seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables.