EU and US – protective tariffs on steel and aluminium
On 12 March 2025, the US introduced additional tariffs of 25 percent on steel and aluminium imports. The tariffs affect several countries, including Sweden. As a first response, the EU is introducing tariffs on certain American goods – and more countermeasures are expected. The page is updated continuously.
Tariffs affect Swedish companies
The US is an important trading partner for Sweden, and changes in US trade policy could directly affect Swedish small and medium-sized businesses. On 12 March the US introduced additional tariffs of 25 percent on steel and aluminium imports, citing national security. These tariffs cover all EU countries, including Sweden.
For Swedish companies exporting steel and aluminium to the US, this will mean increased costs, which could negatively affect competitiveness. In addition, companies that are subcontractors to larger European exporters may be indirectly affected. It is therefore important to carefully analyse how these tariffs could affect operations and consider strategies to manage the increased costs.
More information about the new tariffs at the National Board of Trade (in Swedish)
As a first response to the US action, the EU is introducing tariffs on certain American goods, such as boats, motorcycles and bourbon. They will come into force on 1 April. In addition, a package of additional countermeasures from the EU is planned to ensure that they correspond to the value of the US tariffs. The new package is expected to be ready in mid-April.
We are following developments regarding decisions on additional tariffs against the EU, this page may therefore be updated. You can also read the latest at the National Board of Trade:
Questions and answers about trade with the US at the National Board of Trade (in Swedish)
Facts: Trade between the US and the EU
Goods
- The US is the largest partner for exports of goods to the EU and the second largest for imports of goods.
- The EU was the second largest partner for exports of goods to the US in 2022 and the largest for imports of goods.
Services
- The US was the largest partner for exports of services to the EU in 2023, as well as for imports of services.
- The EU was the largest partner for exports of services to the US in 2022 and also its largest for imports of services.
Consequences of tariffs
When the US introduces tariffs on products from EU companies, they become more expensive and therefore risk being sold less. When the EU responds by introducing tariffs on US products, they become more expensive for EU consumers.
Source: European Parliament