• The EU condemns Trump's decision to double steel tariffs from 25% to 50%.
• The increase may lead to countermeasures and affect ongoing trade negotiations.
• EU officials claim the tariff rise adds uncertainty to the global economy.

The European Union has expressed strong disapproval of U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to increase tariffs on steel imports from 25% to 50%. A spokesperson from the European Commission remarked, "We strongly regret the announced increase" and emphasized that this decision "adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic," according to SCMP and HuffPost.

In response to the tariff hike, the European Union is prepared to implement countermeasures. These measures could automatically take effect on July 14, with an earlier timeline possible if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results. The EU had previously held back on such actions to create opportunities for discussions but now is finalizing consultations on expanded countermeasures, as reported by BBC and HuffPost.

Trump's announcement was made during a rally at a steel plant in Pittsburgh, where he stated that the increased tariffs could bolster the domestic steel industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China. He indicated that the action was part of a broader strategy to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, despite its potential adverse effects on international trade conversations, according to SCMP and BBC.

The EU's response carries significant weight given the ongoing negotiations around other tariffs and trade agreements involving the U.S. The actions taken by the EU could affect previously agreed-upon trade arrangements, including the specifics of the UK's zero tariff deal with the U.S. for steel and aluminum, highlighting the widespread ramifications of Trump's tariff policy, according to BBC.