The European Union has published a list of American products that it will hit with retaliatory measures if trade negotiations with the United States do not end successfully. The list of more than 400 products includes American toilet paper, eye makeup, cigars and tobacco, as well as men's and women's clothing.
Most imports will be subject to additional 25% tariffs. The EU measures were due to take effect today in retaliation for sharp increases in US tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, but the union suspended the countermeasures for 90 days until July 14 after the US also delayed imposing so-called reciprocal tariffs.
According to EU estimates based on official US data for 2023, the top five categories of American exports to the bloc are: oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and medicines, aerospace products and components, medical equipment and supplies, and vehicles.
The US has so far hit the EU with 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, as well as a 25% tax on cars. As for President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" 20% tariffs on all other goods from the bloc, these have been reduced to 10% for 90 days.
Meanwhile, trade negotiations between the EU and the US are continuing at a technical level, Commission spokesman Olof Gill said today from Brussels.
Trade Commissioner Maros Šefković met yesterday in Washington with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jameson Greer in another round of negotiations. "The EU still hopes for a trade deal with the US, taking advantage of the 90-day deadline for a mutual resolution of unjustified tariffs," Commissioner Šefković wrote in "X", after meeting with his American counterparts.
The Commission spokesman said today that the EU expects " substantive talks " to begin and stressed that " an additional level of commitment from the US side will be needed for an agreement ."
He clarified, however, that in trying to reach an agreement with the US, the EU will not negotiate European standards regarding food safety.
"These are not negotiable with the US, or anyone," emphasized Olof Gill, adding that the same applies to European regulations regarding technology and the EU's digital market.
Regarding agri-food products, the Commission spokesperson said that in 2023 the EU imported agri-food products worth 12 billion euros from the US and underlined that imports of these American products into the EU have increased by 77% since 2005.
On cars, Olof Gill recalled that the EU wants to "find the best possible solution" .
" The EU remains constructive and ready for a fair agreement - including reciprocity through our 0-to-0 tariff offer for industrial products and work on non-tariff barriers. Achieving this goal will require significant joint efforts from both sides ", writes the Trade Commissioner in "X". (A2 Televizion)
