EU seeks unity in first strike back at Trump tariffs

European Union countries will seek to present a united front in the coming days against US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, likely appearing as first set of targeted countermeasures on up to $28 billion of US imports from dental floss to diamonds.

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Such a move would mean the EU joining China and Canada in imposing retaliatory tariffs on United States steel and aluminium duties in response to Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs rather than the broader reciprocal levies. It is set to include US meat, cereals, whiskey, broad clothing as well as chewing gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners and toilet paper. One product that has received more attention and exposed discord in the bloc is bourbon. The Commission has earmarked a $500M tariff, prompting Trump to threaten a 25% counter-tariff on alcoholic drinks from the bloc, sources ahead. Wine exporters France and Italy have both expressed concern. The EU, whose economy is heavily reliant on free trade, is keen to make sure it has wide backing for any response so as to keep the pressure up on Trump ultimately to alter his position.