EU Plans to Retaliate Against US Tariffs Amid Trade Tensions

The EU is finalizing plans to retaliate against US tariffs, including a new list targeting $84 billion worth of American goods, even as they continue seeking a negotiated resolution to avert a trade war.

European Union officials are intensifying their efforts to confront a looming tariff threat from the United States, as tensions escalate in trans-Atlantic trade relations. Following announcements from President Trump about potential tariffs on EU imports, EU trade officials have laid the groundwork to impose retaliatory levies on American goods exceeding $100 billion if trade negotiations falter.

In the face of 27 member nations, EU policymakers had already approved a plan in April to hit American products with tariffs amounting to €21 billion (approximately $25 billion) but paused those measures to foster goodwill in negotiations. However, after President Trump indicated via social media his intention to implement a sweeping 30 percent tariff on EU goods starting August 1, the European bloc delayed its initial tariff plans again in hopes of further dialogue, yet firmed their resolve to retaliate if discussions collapse.

Current preparations now include a broader list targeting American exports, which could cover up to €72 billion ($84 billion) in products such as Boeing aircraft and Kentucky bourbon. EU diplomats confirmed that the finalized proposal has been delivered to national representatives within the bloc, though voting hasn't yet occurred.

Despite this preparatory stance, EU officials express a keen desire for a negotiated resolution to avert a costly trade war. However, many within the EU concede that strength may be essential to engaging effectively with the Trump administration, as ongoing negotiations remain clouded by uncertainty.