With a total value of up to $ 28 billion in the US, Europe is expected to “respond” to the trade “war” with them duties that the US president has opened Donald Trump almost all over the planet.
This reveals today’s (06.04.25) Reuters report, which notes that the countries of the European Union are expected to approve the first targeted commercial sanctions against the United States in the coming days, which will be the response to Donald Trump and duties on basic European products.
As the news agency notes since next Wednesday, the US will impose duties 25% on imports of European steel, aluminum and cars, andAt the same time and ‘reverse’ duties of 20% of almost all other European products. The European Commission, which is responsible for coordinating the Union’s commercial policy, will propose to its Member States a list of US products that will be imposed Extra duties – Not on a general basis, but in a targeted way, in order to cause a specific economic and political costs on the other side of the Atlantic.
The list includes products such as American meats, cereals, wine, timber and clothing, but also Chewing gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners and toilet paper. The choice of these products is aimed to hurt specific states and areas in the USwithout burdening sensitive areas of the European market.
Another product that has paid more attention and has exposed discord in the European block is Burbon. The Commission has provided a 50% duty, prompting Trump to threaten a 200% price on EU alcoholic beverages, if eventually validated.
France and Italy wine exporters have, however, expressed their concern. The EU, whose economy is largely dependent on free trade, wishes to ensure that it has widespread support for any answer to maintain the pressure on Trump to finally start negotiations.
Restrained attitude and readiness for dialogue
Despite the escalation of the tension, the European Commission has so far been with great care. Commission President Ursula von der Laeen described Trump’s duties as “a big blow to the world economy”, but avoided immediately announces new retaliation measures, stressing that Europe remains “always ready for dialogue”.
Washington’s duties cover about 70% of EU exports to the US worth € 532 billion ($ 585 billion) for 2024. The list is not exhausted: additional charges are expected for products such as copper, medicinal products, semiconductor and wood.