EU Plans Retaliatory Tariffs on US Imports Amid Trump Measures

The European Union (EU) is preparing a coordinated response to the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, with discussions expected to culminate in a vote on potential retaliatory measures. Ireland's trade minister, Simon Harris, emphasized a strong consensus among EU countries favoring a 'calm, measured' approach, aiming for dialogue with the U.S. rather than immediate conflict, while targeting U.S. digital services is currently deemed unlikely. Proposed retaliatory tariffs could affect up to USD 28 billion in U.S. imports, focusing on goods impacted by Trump's tariffs, including meat, wine, and various consumer products. While some EU members, like France, support a robust response, others, such as Italy, have expressed caution against retaliation. The EU's strategy aims to balance firm action with ongoing negotiations to avoid escalation of the trade dispute.