European Commission starts consultations on possible response to US tariffs

The EC is also consulting on possible restrictions on scrap exports

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a list of imports from the United States that could be subject to EU countermeasures if negotiations with Washington fail to lift the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. This is stated in the report of the institution.

Countermeasures could affect a wide range of American industrial and agricultural products worth up to €95 billion ($107.2 billion). The consultations will last until June 10, which is the deadline for the affected parties to express their opinions.

The EC is also consulting on possible restrictions on exports of certain types of steel scrap and chemical products from the EU to the US worth €4.4 billion.

As noted, since the introduction of unreasonable and harmful US tariffs, the EU has prioritized finding a mutually beneficial and balanced solution through negotiations, including within the framework of a 90-day pause. These talks are ongoing at both the political and technical levels, but the bloc is also continuing to prepare potential countermeasures to protect its consumers and industry.

In parallel, the EU will also launch a dispute at the World Trade Organization against the United States over its universal, so-called “reciprocal” tariffs and duties on cars and auto parts by formally submitting a request for consultations.

The European Commission continues to closely monitor the potential diversion of global exports to the bloc’s market, which could be caused by US tariffs imposed on third countries. In addition, the EC will continue to negotiate with other trading partners to find new markets and diversify sources of supply.

As GMK Center reported earlier, the European Union expects that the Trump administration’s trade investigations will increase the volume of the bloc’s goods subject to US tariffs to €549 billion.