In the face of rising American tariffs, Europeans are proceeding with great caution and a primary focus: Preserving their fragile unity, given the significant economic and security interests at stake. In this context, they have, for the moment, implemented no retaliatory measures, while the US has already imposed surcharges of 25% on steel, aluminum, and imported cars, and 10% on a wide array of products.

While favoring negotiation, the European Commission, which is responsible for trade matters, is not remaining inactive. To establish a power balance with Washington while preparing for a potential failure in discussions with the Trump administration, it is readying its response. On Thursday, May 8, it released a second list of American goods that would be subject to surcharges if Brussels failed to reach an agreement with Washington.

This list includes agricultural products, chemicals and plastics, aerospace, automobiles, electronic equipment, and machine tools. These sales in the European Union (EU) amounted to €95 billion in 2024. Member states must now provide their feedback before a decision can be made by the 27 member states by late June or early July.

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