EU ministers cautious over hike in tariffs

Bloc members focused on negotiation while preparing for countermeasures

European Union trade ministers struck a cautious tone after their meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, resisting immediate retaliation against the United States' "reciprocal tariffs" and warning that "there are no winners" in a trade war.

The 27-nation bloc faces extensive US tariffs, including 25 percent duties on steel, aluminum and cars, plus 20 percent "reciprocal tariffs" on most other goods starting on Wednesday, though officials stressed they remain focused on negotiating a solution rather than matching all US measures.

Speaking at a news briefing after the meeting, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the EU and the US are "in the early stages of discussions" that are complicated "because the US view tariffs not as a tactical step, but as a corrective measure".