BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Union has warned of retaliatory measures worth up to 95 billion euros (approximately Ksh.13.89 trillion) against US goods, including cars, planes, and even Christmas trees, if ongoing trade negotiations with President Donald Trump’s administration fail to avert a full-blown trade war.
The EU’s threat escalates tensions, following Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on a range of goods from the bloc, including steel, aluminium, and vehicles.
On Thursday, the European Commission revealed an extensive list of US products, from soybeans to human hair, that could face tariffs in response to Trump’s imposition of a 20% “reciprocal” tariff on most EU goods announced in April.
The EU also confirmed it would lodge a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the US’s tariff actions, which it views as a violation of international trade rules.
Among the targeted products are US-made aircraft, valued at 10.5 billion euros, and automobiles, which could face tariffs totaling more than 12 billion euros.
The EU has also included other high-value items, such as bourbon whiskey, plastics, chemicals, and electrical equipment, as part of its retaliatory measures.
These goods have been earmarked for tariffs in a 218-page document designed to pressure the US into reaching a trade agreement before the tariffs are reinstated.
In response to the looming threat of tariffs, EU officials emphasized their desire for a negotiated solution, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stating, “We believe there are good deals to be made for the benefit of consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
However, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic made it clear that the EU would not accept any deal “at any price,” stressing that the bloc was prepared to escalate actions further if necessary.
The EU’s latest move comes after a months-long negotiation process that saw President Trump temporarily freeze tariffs, with the US leader’s announcement of a trade deal with Britain sparking some optimism for a resolution.
However, EU officials remain wary of further US tariffs, particularly those affecting major sectors like technology, and are considering even more extreme measures, including targeting US Big Tech companies, should the situation deteriorate.
