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EU consults on list of targeted US goods

The EU has opened a public consultation on potential measures to be taken against the US in response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The European Commission has also formally launched a dispute with the US at the World Trade Organization, by lodging a request for consultations.

The EU body has published a list of US imports that could become subject to EU countermeasures, if ongoing negotiations with the US do not result in what it calls “a mutually beneficial outcome” and the removal of the US tariffs.

Industrial and agricultural products

The list published today (8 May) 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.

In early April, US President Donald Trump announced ‘reciprocal’ tariffs of 20% on EU goods, with a 25% rates on vehicles and car parts. These were in addition to previously announced 25% tariffs on imports of steel, aluminium, and derivative products.

Trump later paused the 20% EU rate for 90 days, leaving a 10% general tariff in force.

Two-month WTO deadline

The commission is now inviting anyone affected by the measures currently being considered by the EU to submit their views in a consultation that will remain open until 10 June.

After this process, it will consult member states before finalising a legal act that will allow it to impose the countermeasures if talks with the UDS break down.

The WTO complaint concerns the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, as well as those on cars and car parts.

Once the EU lodges its request with the WTO, the two parties will have up to two months to find a mutually agreed solution. If the consultations fail, the EU will be able to request the establishment of a panel, which will assess the merits of the case.

‘Good deals’

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU remained fully committed to finding negotiated outcomes with the US.

“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 concluded.