Brussels: The European Union has released a comprehensive list of U.S. products it may target with retaliatory tariffs if current trade tensions with Washington remain unresolved. The move is in response to the sweeping import levies imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have disrupted global trade flows and strained transatlantic economic relations.
According to the European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation bloc, the proposed countermeasures could affect approximately €95 billion ($107 billion) worth of American exports, should negotiations fail to bear fruit. The list spans a wide array of sectors, including €10.5 billion in aircraft, €10.3 billion in automotive parts, and €2 billion in cars. Additionally, alcohol imports — including €1.3 billion worth of wine, beer, and spirits — could face duties.
Aircraft giant Boeing, among others, could be significantly affected by the EU’s potential tariff package. The Commission has opened a public consultation until June 10, allowing stakeholders to comment on the draft list before any final decision is made.
Simultaneously, the EU announced it would initiate legal proceedings at the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging the legitimacy of what it described as the U.S.’s “universal” reciprocal tariffs. The case will focus particularly on Trump’s duties targeting cars and car parts, which Brussels claims are in blatant violation of WTO rules.
President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s preference for diplomacy. “We remain committed to resolving this dispute through negotiation,” she said, while also stressing that the EU must prepare for all possible outcomes.
The transatlantic dispute began in early April, when Trump imposed a 20% tariff on EU goods, later suspending it for 90 days to allow room for negotiations. Despite the pause, a blanket 10% tariff continues to affect EU imports. The European Commission noted that its countermeasures, matching the scope of U.S. tariffs on European goods, were also placed on hold for the same period.
Brussels estimates that since Trump entered office, over €379 billion ($428 billion) worth of EU exports to the U.S. have been affected by new tariffs, many of which remain in effect or are temporarily suspended. The Commission warns that these measures are increasing business costs, slowing economic growth, fueling inflation, and contributing to broader market uncertainty.
