Europe Imposes $28 Billion Tariffs On U.S. Goods Amid Trade Tensions

by News Editor

March 12, 2025

Recently, Europe has announced a fresh wave of tariffs targeting American imports, valued at a whopping $28 billion. This move comes as a counteraction to the U.S.’s aggressive trade policies, particularly under the policies set by Donald Trump, which saw a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel.

Key Points To Note

The tariffs will roll out in two stages: initial tariffs start on April 1st, with the second phase following on April 13th, according to the European Commission.
EU remains open to negotiations with the U.S. in spite of the ongoing tariffs introduction.
Consultations with EU stakeholders are ongoing to ensure that the introduction of tariffs disrupts business and consumer activities minimally, to conclude by March 26th.
Tariffs will hit sectors like steel, aluminum, textiles, leather goods, household appliances, plastics, and timber.
Agricultural products such as poultry, beef, seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables will also see new tariffs.

Economic Context And Figures

In 2024, the European Union exported goods worth €531.6 billion to the United States. Meanwhile, imports totaled €333.4 billion, as per Eurostat data. The year saw a 5.5% increase in exports and a 4.0% decrease in imports, compared to 2023.

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What’s Next?

April 1st will also mark the date when the U.S. may announce reciprocal tariffs. Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on EU imports affecting industries like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and technology, potentially causing significant revenue declines in Europe, particularly concerning sectors such as healthcare, industry, and consumer goods.

For further context on international investment strategies, explore our feature on UAE’s ambitious plans.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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