This morning, the European Union revealed a list of US goods on which it will propose tariffs if the talks with Washington do not result in a trade agreement. 

The package, which has been put forward by the European Commission, covers US imports worth €72 billion. 

Included in this are food and agricultural products such as fruit and vegetables, alongside wine, beer and spirits, worth a total of €6.35 billion. 

EU officials have stressed that they are still seeking to strike a deal with the US. However, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic stated that the bloc would need to take countermeasures if talks fail. 

30% tariff threats 

As talks between the EU and the US continue, President Trump has threatened a shock 30% tariff on incoming European products. 

In a letter posted on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said: “The United States of America has agreed to continue working with the European Union, despite having one of our largest Trade Deficits with you. Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward, but only with more balanced and fair TRADE.” 

He added that all imports to both the EU and Mexico would be subject to a 30% tariff, excluding sectoral tariffs. 

EU ministers yesterday (Monday 14) agreed that these tariffs were “absolutely unacceptable”. 

At a press conference yesterday, Sefcovic commented that the EU is approaching talks with the United States in good faith. 

He continued, “We remain convinced that our transatlantic relationship deserves a negotiated solution,” adding that the EU will not walk away without genuine effort. 

However, Sefcovic also said that the EU must “prepare for all outcomes,” including “well-considered proportionate measures”. 

He also noted the importance of doubling down on opening new markets outside of the US, such as Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. 

In the alcohol sector, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States called for “a permanent return to the longstanding zero-for-zero tariffs,” noting that this would benefit American distilleries, farmers and restaurants. 

The US Wine Trade Alliance likewise urged a return to negotiations. Ben Aneff, president of the US Wine Trade Alliance, said: “Imported European wine drives nearly $24 billion in US economic activity annually, while just $5.3 billion returns to Europe. That’s a $19 billion economic surplus that stays in the US. 

“This trade supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs across all 50 states.”