Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union’s chief on Tuesday, said that U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs “will not be ignored.” She added that these measures will lead to tougher countermeasures by the 27-nation group. This means that iconic U.S. products like jeans, bourbon and motorcycles need to be on guard.

In a response to President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on aluminum and steel the day before, von der Leyen made a statement.

Von der Leyen stated that tariffs are taxes, which are bad for businesses and worse for consumers. “Unjustified Tariffs on the EU won’t go unanswered – they will trigger firm, proportionate countermeasures.”

If the EU countermeasures come into effect on March 12, they could be similar to the tariffs that Trump imposed during his first term.

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Bernd Lange warned that the previous trade measures had only been suspended, and they could be legally reinstituted.

Lange, a German radio host, told rbb24 that if he started again, we would immediately resume our countermeasures.

He added that “motorcycles, denim, peanut butter and a range of other products which affect American exporters will be targeted.”

Officials and observers say they will target Republican states as well as traditionally strong U.S. imports.

Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, who is also the EU’s biggest economy, told the parliament in Berlin that the European Union would react together “if the U.S. leaves no other option,” adding, “End of the day, trade wars cost both sides prosperity.”

Trump imposes a 25% steel and aluminum tax on foreign producers in an effort to relieve them of the intense global competition. This will allow local producers to raise prices.

Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the EU Commission, said on Tuesday that tariffs were “economically counterproductive” given the deep integration of production chains established by our extensive transatlantic trade ties and investments.

Sefcovic stated that “we will protect our employees, businesses, and consumers”, but also added “it is not the preferred scenario.” We are committed to constructive dialogue. “We are ready to negotiate and find mutually beneficial solution where possible.”

According to the EU, trade between both sides is estimated at $1.5 trillion. This represents about 30% of global trade. He told the EU parliament that both sides have a lot to lose.

The bloc’s substantial surplus of exports in goods is offset in part by the U.S. surplus on services.

According to the EU, trade in goods will reach 851 billion euro ($878 billion), with a surplus of 156 bn euros ($161 bn) for 2023. The EU’s trade in services was valued at 688 billion euro ($710 billion), with a deficit of 104 bn euros ($107 bn).