The European Commission proposed countermeasures on up to $107.2 billion of U.S. imports if negotiations with the White House fail.
“The list put to consultation concerns imports from the US worth €95 billion, covering a broad range of industrial and agricultural products. The Commission is also consulting on possible restrictions on certain EU exports of steel scrap and chemical products to the US worth €4.4 billion,” the entity explained. “This consultation is designed to address both the US universal tariffs and the tariffs on cars and car parts.”
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, “Tariffs are already having a negative impact on the global economies. The E.U. remains fully committed to finding negotiated outcomes with the U.S. We believe there are good deals to be made for the benefit of consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
“At the same time, we continue preparing for all possibilities, and the consultation launched today will help guide us in this necessary work,” she said.
The European Union will also file a case against the United States with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to “challenge U.S. tariffs that we consider unjustified and in clear breach of global trade rules,” said Maroš Šefčovič, the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
On April 9, the United States issued a 90-day pause on EU-specific tariffs. The EU then issued its own 90-day pause to allow for negotiations.
“We took note of the announcement by President Trump. We want to give negotiations a chance,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X at the time. “While finalising the adoption of the EU countermeasures that saw strong support from our Member States, we will put them on hold for 90 days. If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in. Preparatory work on further countermeasures continues. As I have said before, all options remain on the table.”
