Europe has officially taken the first step in response to the US customs duties. EU countries have approved the imposition of tariffs on US goods worth 21 billion euros.

The European Union (EU) has approved the first retaliatory measure package against US President Donald Trump’s additional customs duties. The EU agreed to impose customs duties on US goods worth 21 billion euros in the metal dispute.

According to the decision, the EU’s initial measures against US tariffs will take effect on April 15. The European Commission stated that the package of measures could be suspended if the US accepts a fair and balanced negotiation result. EU countries proposed on Monday to impose an additional 25% customs duty on US products. Among the products the EU planned to impose tariffs on were motorcycles, poultry, fruits, wood, clothing, and dental floss.

The total value of these products last year was around 21 billion euros (23 billion dollars). Under Trump’s customs duties, EU countries faced a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum, and automobile imports starting today, as well as a 20% tariff on many other products. The volume of the EU’s metal exports affected by the US customs duties was 26 billion euros last year.