EU Plans Retaliatory Measures Against US in Trade Dispute

In a decisive response to stalled trade negotiations, the European Union (EU) has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at pressuring the United States to engage in substantive trade talks. The announcement was made by the European Commission, revealing that officials are considering retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion worth of American goods, including agricultural products and manufactured goods.

Under the newly laid plan, EU governments will spend the next month consulting on a targeted list of American products eligible for higher tariffs. This list features a variety of items, notably agricultural goods such as soybeans and meats, as well as manufactured products like sewing machines and vehicle parts. Notably, a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute has been initiated against the US to address tariffs imposed on autos and other duties.

While the EU hopes that the threat of retaliatory measures will prompt the US to negotiate, the block is simultaneously preparing for potential long-term trade adjustments. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission's president, emphasized the need for favorable trade agreements supporting consumers and businesses across the Atlantic. She reiterated the EU's commitment to open discussions while acknowledging that some tariffs may remain in place in the long term.

The EU's strategic move reflects a shift towards a more proactive stance in its trade relationship with the US, underlining the organization's readiness to implement serious measures amid an uncertain negotiation landscape.