In a bold move to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs, the European Union is preparing to approve retaliatory measures targeting up to $28 billion worth of U.S. imports. The EU aims to present a united front in its first strike back against the U.S. tariffs, which include a 25% tax on steel and aluminum, as well as higher duties on cars and other goods.
The European Commission will propose a list of U.S. products, including meat, cereals, wine, clothing, and even items like chewing gum, dental floss, and toilet paper. This package of countermeasures is set to address the economic fallout from Trump’s tariffs, which impact nearly 70% of the EU’s exports to the U.S. These exports, valued at around 532 billion euros in 2024, have been hit hard by U.S. trade policies, with some sectors like pharmaceuticals, timber, and semiconductors potentially facing more tariffs in the future.
The response is part of the EU’s broader strategy to maintain its economic unity and safeguard free trade in the face of rising global trade tensions. However, within the bloc, there is a diversity of opinions on how forceful the response should be. France has called for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond tariffs, even suggesting that European companies suspend investments in the U.S. until clarity emerges. On the other hand, Ireland has emphasized a more measured approach, while Italy, one of the EU’s top exporters to the U.S., has expressed reservations about escalating tensions.
Despite differing views, the EU’s primary goal is to maintain solidarity and send a clear message to Washington: the EU is ready to negotiate but will not hesitate to implement countermeasures if the tariffs remain in place. The counter-tariffs, set to be implemented in two stages beginning April 15, will have significant implications for global trade, potentially pushing economies into recession and making everyday goods more expensive for consumers worldwide.
As tensions continue to rise, EU diplomats and leaders are focused on ensuring a united response that balances the need for diplomacy with the necessity of economic protection. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of U.S.-EU trade relations.
