The European Union is preparing to approve its first wave of retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Wednesday, escalating a global trade dispute that has already seen pushback from China and Canada against the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff policies.
This move coincides with the enforcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new “reciprocal” tariffs targeting the EU and multiple other nations. These include a staggering 104% duty on Chinese goods and new levies of 25% on European steel, aluminum, and cars, alongside broader 20% tariffs on nearly all other EU exports to the U.S.
In response, the European Commission has proposed countermeasures totaling around €21 billion ($23 billion) in tariffs on a range of American products. The list includes motorcycles, poultry, fruits, wood products, clothing, and even dental floss, primarily facing duties of 25%. The EU’s retaliatory measures are less in value compared to the €26 billion worth of European metals exports affected by the U.S. tariffs.
The proposed EU tariffs are scheduled to take effect in phases—April 15, May 16, and December 1—pending a vote on Wednesday afternoon by a committee of trade experts from the EU’s 27 member states. The proposal will pass unless a qualified majority of countries, representing at least 65% of the EU population, votes against it.
Tensions within the bloc are evident, with major wine exporters like France and Italy voicing concern after President Trump threatened 200% tariffs on European wines and spirits should the EU proceed with a planned 50% duty on American bourbon.
Meanwhile, Trump has further intensified his trade stance against China, doubling existing duties after Beijing unveiled its own set of retaliatory measures last week. Chinese authorities have vowed to “fight to the end,” raising fears that the world may be sliding into a full-scale trade war.
As the international community watches closely, the EU’s decision this week could mark a turning point in the escalating conflict over global trade.
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