Web Desk: The European Union is preparing a coordinated response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, with member states expected to approve initial countermeasures targeting up to $28 billion worth of U.S. imports—ranging from dental floss to diamonds.

This move would align the EU with China and Canada, who have already imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, raising fears of a global trade war that could drive up consumer prices and destabilize economies worldwide.

EU Faces Major Tariffs from the U.S.

Starting Wednesday, the 27-nation bloc will be hit with 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium, and cars, as well as 20% tariffs on most other exports. These new duties affect roughly 70% of the EU’s exports to the United States, which totaled €532 billion ($585 billion) last year.

Trump’s tariff plans are expected to expand further, potentially impacting key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, copper, and timber.

EU’s Retaliatory Measures in Motion

In response, the European Commission—the body responsible for EU trade policy—is set to present a detailed list of U.S. products that could face additional duties. The proposed list includes:

U.S. meat, cereals, and wine
Wood, clothing, and vacuum cleaners
Everyday products like chewing gum, toilet paper, and dental floss

Notably, bourbon whiskey has become a flashpoint in the discussions. The Commission is considering a 50% tariff on the American spirit, prompting Trump to threaten a 200% retaliatory tariff on European alcoholic drinks, which has raised concerns, especially from wine-exporting nations like France and Italy.

EU Seeks Unity and Strategy Amid Trade Tensions

On Monday, trade ministers from all 27 EU countries will convene in Luxembourg for the first EU-wide political meeting since Trump’s announcement. The main goal: to deliver a united message—ready to negotiate, but prepared to respond.

An EU diplomat stated:

“Our greatest fear after Brexit was disunity in trade policy. But now, member states see the importance of standing together.”

Divisions and Diplomacy

While EU leaders agree on the need for a response, opinions vary on the approach:

France supports a broader package of countermeasures, with President Emmanuel Macron suggesting European firms halt U.S. investments until there’s clarity.
Ireland, heavily reliant on U.S. trade, urges a measured and thoughtful strategy.
Italy, the third-largest EU exporter to the U.S., has questioned the need for retaliation at all.

An EU diplomat explained the dilemma:

“The response must be strong enough to bring the U.S. to the negotiating table—but not so harsh that it leads to dangerous escalation.”

What’s Next?

Talks with Washington have so far failed to yield progress. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic described his latest discussions with U.S. officials as “frank,” calling the tariffs “damaging and unjustified.”

The EU’s initial set of counter-tariffs will go to a vote on Wednesday, and unless a qualified majority (15 states representing 65% of the population) opposes it, the measures will be approved. The tariffs will be implemented in two phases—with the first starting on April 15 and the second a month later.

Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will hold crucial talks this week with CEOs from the steel, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors to evaluate the impact of U.S. tariffs and chart the path forward.