The European Union has stated it is prepared to introduce countermeasures if the United States moves forward with a proposed 30 percent tariff on imports from the bloc next month.
After a meeting in Brussels on Monday, EU trade representative Maros Sefcovic described the potential tariffs as “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized the EU’s preference for resolving the matter through negotiations.
“I’m absolutely 100 percent sure that a negotiated solution is much better than the tension which we might have after August 1,” Sefcovic said, adding that the EU must remain prepared for any outcome.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, representing the EU presidency, echoed this position, highlighting the bloc’s unity and readiness to implement “robust and proportionate countermeasures” if needed.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that the EU has identified potential US goods worth $24.5 billion that could be targeted in response.
The proposed tariffs have raised concerns among European policymakers and businesses, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warning that such measures could significantly affect the German export sector.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union noted that the tariffs could cause widespread economic impacts across both regions.
European stocks declined on Monday amid the uncertainty, with shares in the automotive and alcohol sectors among the hardest hit.
Speaking from the White House, President Donald Trump stated that he remains open to discussions with trade partners, including the EU, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the US economy and domestic manufacturing.
In April, the US administration paused tariffs on various countries for 90 days to allow time for negotiations. In addition to the EU, other trading partners facing possible new tariffs include Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Canada.
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