Commission consults on possible countermeasures in response to US tariffs

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a list of US imports which could become subject to EU countermeasures, if ongoing EU-US negotiations do not result in a mutually beneficial outcome and the removal of the US tariffs.

Consulting on possible restrictions

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. This consultation is designed to address both the US universal tariffs and the tariffs on cars and car parts.

Finding a mutually beneficial solution

Since the US imposed its unjustified and harmful tariffs, the EU has prioritised finding a mutually beneficial and balanced solution through negotiations, including within the framework of the 90-day partial suspension of tariffs announced by the US. These negotiations are ongoing both at political and technical level. The EU continues to prepare potential countermeasures to defend its consumers and industry, in parallel with the negotiations and in case these fail to deliver a satisfactory outcome. While the public consultation is a necessary step in this process, it does not automatically result in the adoption of countermeasures.

Launching a WTO dispute

In parallel, the EU will also launch a WTO dispute against the US on its universal so-called “reciprocal” tariffs and tariffs on cars and car parts, by formally lodging a request for consultations. It is the unequivocal view of the EU that these tariffs blatantly violate fundamental WTO rules. The EU's objective is thus to reaffirm that internationally agreed rules matter, and these cannot be unilaterally disregarded by any WTO member, including the US.

Pursuing negotiations 

Finally, the Commission continues to carefully monitor the potential diversion of global exports onto the EU market, which might be caused by the US tariffs imposed on third countries. In addition, the Commission will continue to pursue negotiations with other trading partners to find new export outlets and diversify our sources of supply. We will also continue ongoing work to reduce barriers and strengthen the EU's Single Market.

Find more information in the source description. 

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1149