European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefkovic announced on Thursday that the EU may postpone the implementation of its first set of countermeasures against the United States until mid-April. This decision comes in response to tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum.

Sefkovic indicated that the EU is considering reintroducing tariffs on American products valued at €4.5 billion (approximately $4.9 billion) starting on April 1. Following that, tariffs on U.S. goods worth €18 billion could be enacted on April 13. During a session at the European Parliament, he emphasized that the EU is looking to align the timing of these countermeasures to facilitate simultaneous consultations with member states regarding the lists. This strategy would also provide additional time for negotiations with American partners.

The potential delay reflects the EU’s commitment to thorough discussions with its member states and aims to foster better trade relations with the United States while also addressing its own economic interests.