John O'Loughlin examines the global trade crisis sparked by Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and their sweeping impact on EU exports and businesses
US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement marked a significant and historic escalation of the US approach to international trade and tariffs.
Exports from the European Union (EU) to the US are now in scope of Trump’s tariffs and some businesses will be significantly impacted by this latest round of measures.
Immediate changes and impact
On Wednesday 2 April, the Trump Administration announced wide-ranging “reciprocal” tariff measures. President Trump invoked his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address the “national emergency” posed by the large and persistent trade deficit.
These measures, imposed on all global trading nations, apply a blanket additional tariff rate on all products imported into the US.
As expected, the measures were applied on a country-by-country basis with the following key markets impacted by the following additional tariffs:
- European Union: 20%
- United Kingdom: 10%
- China: 34%
- Japan: 24%
- Switzerland: 31%
- Brazil: 10%
- Australia: 10%
- India: 26%
- South Korea: 25%
In addition to the above, a further 60 or so countries will have reciprocal tariffs applied at half the rate they charge the US, according to the Trump administration. These measures are due to be implemented on 9 April.
Further to these specific tariffs, all other countries not listed will be subject to a baseline rate of 10 percent, which will be imposed from 5 April and will be in addition to the standard rate of duty (most-favoured nation rate).
The Executive Order imposing the “reciprocal” tariff rates have specifically excluded certain product categories which will not be subject to these new measures. These products include:
- Steel and aluminium articles already subject to additional tariff measures;
- Auto and auto parts already subject to tariff measures implemented on 3 April;
- Copper;
- Pharmaceuticals;
- Semiconductors;
- Lumber articles; and
- Energy and certain other minerals that are not available in the United States.
Regarding imports from Mexico and Canada, those that meet the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) rules will not be subject to additional tariffs.
However, goods that do not meet the rules under the USMCA will continue to be subject to the 25 percent tariffs imposed on 4 March.
Trump’s tariffs have created a trade crisis on a global scale affecting companies across all sectors.
These tariffs will remain in effect until he determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit— and underlying nonreciprocal treatment—is satisfied, resolved or mitigated.
Other tariff measures
As announced on Wednesday 26 March, 25 percent tariffs on imports of foreign-made cars came into effect on 3 April. The tariffs will impact cars from all countries with a value-based exception for the US value of cars covered by the USMCA.
Additionally, on Monday 25 March, Trump also announced the possibility of a 25 percent additional tariff on countries purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela, with an implementation date of 2 April. As of yet, no tariffs under this measure have been imposed.
Further to previous Executive Orders regarding tariffs on imports of Chinese goods, President Trump has signed an Executive Order removing the de minimis treatment for goods of Chinese and Hong Kong origin, effective from 2 May.
This order imposes duties on goods valued at or under $800 which would otherwise have qualified for an import duty exemption.
USTR Foreign Trade Barriers Report
On 31 March, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers – a wide-ranging report highlighting foreign barriers to US exports, US foreign direct investment and US electronic commerce.
Ireland is specifically noted within the report, but references are limited to commentary regarding alcohol labelling and reimbursements related to pharmaceutical products.
European retaliatory measures
On 12 March, the European Commission announced countermeasures in response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium products, which it deems "unjustified".
Following a period of consultation, the EU has postponed the implementation of these measures until 15 April.
These tariffs range from 10 percent to 75 percent with the majority of products falling within the 25 percent category. Additionally, the EU is set to announce further countermeasures on a wider range of goods.
EU reaction
On Tuesday 1 April, comments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that the EU is prepared to retaliate against the US, if necessary, in response to Trump's tariff hikes.
“Europe has not started this confrontation, we do not necessarily want to retaliate but, if it is necessary, we have a strong plan to retaliate and we will use it,” von der Leyen said.
She further emphasised the significance of the US-EU trading relationship, noting that their trade volume is $1.5 trillion and that one million American jobs rely on this trade.
Von der Leyen reiterated that Europe is open to negotiations, stating, "We will approach these negotiations from a position of strength. Europe holds many cards, from trade to technology to the size of our market. However, this strength is also built on our readiness to take firm countermeasures if necessary. All instruments are on the table.”
Actions for businesses
In anticipation of these tariffs, companies have placed significant focus on analysing their own data and scenario planning for the impact of tariffs.
With Trump’s announcement, businesses should shift their focus to tariff mitigation strategies and options, including customs origin, valuation and tariff classification. Duty relief programs should also be considered.
It is expected that the EU will push ahead with its retaliatory measures and other countries may look to introduce similar measures.
Trump’s executive orders also contain modification authority allowing him to increase the tariff if trading partners retaliate, or reduce the tariffs if trading partners take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with the US on economic and national security matters.
John O'Loughlin, Partner, Global Trade and Customs, PwC Ireland
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