PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON EU COUNTERMEASURES IN US TARIFFS DISPUTE

The European Commission has opened a public consultation on a draft list of US products potentially subject to EU countermeasures, should ongoing negotiations with the United States fail to yield an agreement that leads to the removal of recently imposed US tariffs.

The consultation covers US imports into the EU worth approximately €95 billion, spanning both industrial and agricultural goods. In addition, the Commission is seeking input on possible restrictions concerning EU exports of steel scrap and chemical products to the US, valued at €4.4 billion. The measures under consultation target both the so-called “reciprocal” universal US tariffs and those specifically affecting cars and car parts.

While the EU remains committed to a negotiated resolution, it is simultaneously preparing rebalancing measures in line with the EU Enforcement Regulation. This dual-track approach allows the EU to protect its industry and consumers, should the talks with the US not result in a satisfactory outcome. The consultation is a procedural step and does not automatically trigger the application of countermeasures.

In parallel, the EU will initiate a formal dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the US tariffs, asserting that they breach core WTO rules. The Commission will also continue to monitor trade diversion effects caused by the US measures and engage with other trading partners to diversify export markets and supply chains.

The consultation will remain open until 10 June, after which the Commission will finalise its countermeasure proposal and consult Member States under the comitology process.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: “Tariffs are already having a negative impact on global economies. The EU remains fully committed to finding negotiated outcomes with the US. We believe there are good deals to be made for the benefit of consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. At the same time, we continue preparing for all possibilities.”

Source: European Commission