European Union trade ministers have sharply condemned the United States’ decision to impose 30% tariffs on a wide range of EU products, calling the move “totally unacceptable” and warning of potential retaliatory measures.
During a high-level meeting in Brussels on Monday, ministers from the 27 EU member states expressed unified disapproval of the new trade policy announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, set to take effect next month. The tariffs, which also target imports from Mexico, are being justified by Washington as a protective measure against what it describes as “unfair trade practices.”
Maros Sefcovic, the EU Trade Commissioner and chief negotiator with Washington, said the bloc is preparing a robust response. “It became very clear from today’s discussions that the 30% U.S. tariffs are completely unacceptable,” Sefcovic stated. He revealed that the European Commission has shared a second draft list of American products that could face retaliatory tariffs if the U.S. does not reverse its decision. The targeted imports are estimated to be worth around €72 billion ($84 billion), and the proposal will now be reviewed by member states.
The draft list follows an initial round of EU measures introduced earlier this year in response to ongoing trade tensions. While details of the proposed countermeasures were not disclosed publicly, officials hinted that they would focus on politically and economically significant sectors.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, representing the EU presidency, emphasized the bloc’s preference for dialogue but affirmed its readiness to act. “The ministers pledged to work together to either negotiate a trade agreement with Washington or implement strong, proportionate countermeasures,” Rasmussen said in a press briefing following the meeting.
President Trump made the tariff announcement last week through his Truth Social account, arguing that the move was essential to protect American industries from foreign competition and “unfair trade practices.”
Despite rising transatlantic tensions, EU officials reiterated their willingness to engage in constructive negotiations. However, they stressed that any resolution must respect international trade rules and ensure a level playing field.
With tariffs looming and both sides bracing for a potential trade battle, attention now turns to the coming weeks, as EU capitals deliberate over the proposed retaliatory measures and assess the broader implications for transatlantic economic ties.
