EU Plans Tariffs on €95bn Worth of US Goods Amid Trade Tensions
The European Union has confirmed it is proposing tariffs on a wide array of industrial and agricultural imports from the United States, valued at €95 billion. The move is a response to stalled trade talks and will only be enacted if negotiations with the US fail to produce a “mutually beneficial outcome.”
The draft list of targeted products includes aircraft—a potential setback for Ryanair, which has placed significant orders with US manufacturer Boeing. Other proposed targets include bourbon whiskey, wine, cider, cars, bicycles, boats, smartphones, cattle, soy, olives, and a limited number of pharmaceutical products.
However, Irish officials expressed relief that the EU's main pharmaceutical imports were excluded from the preliminary list. Despite this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that all options remain open should the trade relationship with the US worsen.
The EU’s proposed countermeasures break down as follows:
- €6.4 billion on agricultural goods
- €10.5 billion on aircraft
- €10 billion on motor parts
- €12.5 billion on chemicals and plastics
- €7.2 billion on electrical equipment
Additionally, the European Commission is considering restrictions on certain EU exports to the US, including €4.4 billion worth of steel scrap and chemical products. These measures are designed to counter what the EU calls “unjustified and harmful” US tariffs—10% on general EU goods and 25% on EU-made cars.
Speaking on the issue, von der Leyen said:
“Tariffs are already negatively affecting global economies. The EU remains fully committed to reaching negotiated solutions. We believe mutually beneficial deals are still achievable.”
She added, “We are also preparing for all scenarios. Today’s consultation is part of that effort.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, following a meeting with von der Leyen in Brussels, said Ireland would quickly engage with the Commission regarding the proposed countermeasures.
“I anticipate the measures will be similar to last time, where we were effective,” he said, emphasizing that he would study the proposals and provide feedback to mitigate any negative effects on Ireland.
Martin also warned against EU disunity:
“The US may be banking on division within the EU. We need to stand together and act collectively.”
He reiterated that the preferred outcome is a negotiated deal:
“In a trade war, there’s no such thing as a pain-free response—everyone loses, especially the most vulnerable.”
The meeting between Martin and von der Leyen also covered broader economic and geopolitical issues, including EU competitiveness and international crises like Ukraine and Gaza. However, the central topic was the EU’s strategic response to US tariffs.
Later today, the European Commission is expected to formally publish its proposed countermeasures. The Irish government will then assess the potential impact and seek to minimize economic harm where possible.
Source: RTE