European Union member states are set to present a unified stance in the coming days against U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, with an initial package of targeted countermeasures on American imports worth up to $28 billion expected to be approved.
The move would align the EU with China and Canada in retaliating against the United States, marking an early escalation in what some fear could become a global trade war. The confrontation risks pushing up consumer prices and dragging global economies into recession.
The 27-member bloc faces 25% import tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, while nearly all other goods are now subject to 20% reciprocal duties as of Wednesday.
Trump’s tariffs affect around 70% of EU exports to the U.S., totaling €532 billion last year. Additional levies on copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and timber are anticipated.
The European Commission, which oversees EU trade policy, will propose a list of U.S. products for additional tariffs late Monday, in direct response to Trump’s metal duties rather than broader retaliatory actions.
The list is expected to include American exports such as meat, grains, wine, timber, clothing, chewing gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners, and toilet paper.
Bourbon has emerged as a particularly contentious item. The Commission’s proposal of a 50% tariff triggered Trump’s threat to impose 200% duties on EU spirits in retaliation.
Wine-exporting nations like France and Italy have voiced concerns. With its economy heavily reliant on free trade, the EU is seeking broad backing for any action to maintain pressure on Washington and encourage negotiations.
Luxembourg will host the first EU-wide policy meeting since the announcement of the sweeping U.S. tariffs, bringing together trade ministers to discuss the impact and formulate a coordinated response.
EU diplomats said the meeting’s primary aim is to deliver a clear message of intent to negotiate, while signaling readiness to impose countermeasures if talks fail.
“Our biggest fear after Brexit was bilateral deals and a fragmented front, but over three to four years of negotiations, that didn’t happen. This is a different case, but everyone sees the value of a common trade policy,” an EU diplomat said. (incyprus)
