The European Union has published a comprehensive list of U.S. imports—worth nearly €100 billion—that could face retaliatory tariffs if the U.S. reimposes a 20% tariff on EU goods. This escalation follows President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs,” which originally hit most EU exports with a 20% levy in early April before being temporarily reduced to 10% for 90 days. The EU’s countermeasures target major American sectors, including aircraft, vehicles and parts, wine, beer, spirits, chemicals, plastics, and agricultural goods.
The Commission estimates that €379 billion of EU exports to the U.S. have been hit by Trump-era tariffs, which are already raising costs, slowing growth, and increasing inflationary pressure. EU officials warn that the transatlantic relationship may be beyond repair, particularly as the U.S. continues to pursue its “reindustrialization” strategy. While Brussels hopes for some flexibility on reducing the baseline 10% tariff, it remains skeptical about any reversal of tariffs on cars, steel, or aluminum.
In parallel to its tariff threats, the European Commission plans to take legal action at the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that the U.S. tariffs breach global trade rules. While EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the bloc’s preference for a negotiated solution, she affirmed that the EU must prepare for all eventualities. Consultations under WTO rules are expected to begin soon, with the aim of resolving the dispute within two months.
The EU is allowing feedback on its tariff list until June 10, giving businesses and member states a chance to argue for the exclusion of sensitive products. The targeted goods span a wide range but are categorized broadly rather than by brand. Aircraft and autos top the list, with Boeing especially vulnerable. The Commission has already modified earlier retaliation plans—for example, removing bourbon from prior lists under pressure from France and Italy—to avoid harming EU interests or provoking further escalation.
Despite the aggressive scope of the proposed tariffs, EU officials stress that the bloc is exercising restraint to avoid a destructive trade war. Brussels is deliberately avoiding “shooting itself in the foot” by applying overly broad or harmful retaliation. Nevertheless, failure to reach a resolution by July could reignite full-scale tariff escalation, including renewed 20% duties from the U.S.
