EU ready to impose 90 billion euros in retaliatory measures against US tariffs

In Brussels, on July 14, 2025, Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, communicated the EU's position regarding tariffs to the United States. After a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, he expressed disappointment over President Donald Trump's recent threats of a 30 percent increase in tariffs on EU imports, scheduled for August 1. Šefčovič anticipated that a fair agreement on tariffs was very close but felt that Trump's aggressive stance had derailed the negotiations. The EU is preparing to implement multi-billion retaliatory measures of approximately 90 billion euros if a fair agreement is not reached. The situation reflects a deteriorating trade relationship and has caused a shift in the EU's negotiating strategy, where member states now signal a willingness to impose countermeasures if negotiations fail. Moreover, the EU has been proactive in preparing counter-tariffs covering imports from the US worth around 72 billion euros. This situation escalated after President Trump’s announcement and urges a solid response from the EU to protect its economy. The EU's preparedness indicates the seriousness of the ongoing trade tension, highlighting that if Trump's tariffs take effect, they would significantly impact transatlantic trade relations. Despite the tensions, Šefčovič maintains that negotiation is still preferred over escalating trade conflicts. As the largest trading bloc globally, the EU aims for a resolution while being fully aware of the potential economic ramifications of Trump's imposition of tariffs. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached before the proposed tariffs come into effect.