The EU has issued countermeasures worth 72 billion euros against U.S. imports

The European Union has released retaliatory measures worth 72 billion euros against U.S. goods. The bloc has targeted $84 billion worth of U.S. goods, including automobiles, Boeing aircraft, and bourbon, amid heightened global trade tensions.

A 206-page list issued by the European Commission on Monday showed that the bloc’s finalized countermeasures are also directed towards machinery products, plastics, chemicals, electrical equipment, medical devices, agricultural goods, and wine. According to the list, the EU didn’t include tariff rates for the goods.

EU braces for Trump’s August deadline

BREAKING — President Trump Announces 30% Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting Next Month, August 1

In letters dated July 11, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a firm ultimatum to both Mexico and the European Union:

Mexico: If the Mexican government does not stop the… pic.twitter.com/LNFfFn72Gz

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) July 12, 2025

The bloc released countermeasures in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s 20% reciprocal tariffs issued in April. The U.S. imposed reciprocal levies on most EU goods and added 25% tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. The U.S. later settled on a baseline 10% rate to allow for trade negotiations with nations globally.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke also mentioned at a news conference in Brussels on Monday that Trump’s tariff threat was unacceptable. The bloc accused the U.S. of being reluctant to settle for trade negotiations and warned it of issuing countermeasures if no deal is reached by August 1.

The U.S. President warned over the weekend he would raise the bloc’s levies to 30% if there are no trade deals before the deadline on August 1. Trump acknowledged that he is open to further discussions with the bloc and other trading partners. 

“They would like to do a different kind of a deal and we’re always open to talk, including Europe. In fact, they’re coming over. They’d like to talk.”

-Donald Trump, U.S President.

The European Union initially issued the list targeting U.S. goods worth 95 billion euros, but it was minimized after dialogue with countries and firms within the bloc. The EU also requires its 27 nations to give their approval before the adoption of the list.

The 27-nation bloc had previously issued countermeasures of 21 billion euros on U.S. imports but later extended it to counter Trump’s additional tariffs on steel and aluminum. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani revealed over the weekend that the EU was ready with roughly $24.5B worth of countermeasures against U.S. goods if both parties failed to reach a deal.

The EU also plans to tariff over 65 billion euros of industrial goods, including  11 billion euros on aircraft, approximately 9.4 billion euros on machinery, and roughly 8 billion euros on cars. The EU also targeted 6 billion euros on agricultural products, including 2 billion euros on fruits and vegetables and around 1.2 billion euros on alcoholic beverages. The 27-nation bloc also issued 500 million euros on toys and hobby equipment, 200 million euros on musical instruments, and more than 300 million euros on sports guns.

The EU and other countries remain hopeful of a trade deal with the U.S.

Spoke w @jamiesongreer & @howardlutnick. The EU's fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both. @EU_Commission remains ready to work in good faith. EU-US trade is unmatched & must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests. pic.twitter.com/RfIo5K4aus

— Maroš Šefčovič🇪🇺 (@MarosSefcovic) May 23, 2025

EU’s trade chief Maros Sefcovic warns that the U.S.’s heightened tariffs pose a huge risk to transatlantic trade. He believes there is still a chance for continued negotiations, but argued that the bloc is yet to settle on a good deal with its largest trading partner. Sefcovic revealed on Monday that there are more plans to meet with the Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mentioned that she is hopeful for a trade deal on security with the U.S. Trump has accused the country of not making more effort towards combating fentanyl flow into the U.S., adding that the 30% tariff on Mexico would not apply to goods shipped under the USMCA trade agreement. She also maintained that no deal will include the U.S. forces entering Mexican borders, as mentioned by Trump.

South Korea officials stated Monday that Trump’s deadline made it impossible to reach a deal and offered to expand access of its agricultural market to the U.S. Seoul’s Minister for Trade Yeo Han-Koo also acknowledged that the country was cautious to avoid heightened U.S. levies on major industries that would undermine the economic relationship with its main trading partner.

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