EU set to strike back at Trump tariffs

But opinions differ on how best to reply

- PHILIP BLENKINSOP

Such a move would mean the EU joining a raft of nations contemplating retaliatory tariffs on the United States in an early escalation of what some fear will become a global trade war, making goods more expensive for billions of consumers and shaking economies around the world into recession.

The 27-nation bloc faces 25% import tariffs on steel and aluminium and cars and "reciprocal" tariffs of 20% beginning tomorrow for almost all other goods.

Trump's tariffs cover some 70% of the EU's exports to the United States — worth in total €532 billion ($585 billion) last year — with likely duties on copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and timber still to come.

The European Commission, which coordinates EU trade policy, was to propose to EU members late yesterday a list of US products to hit with extra duties, in response to Trump's steel and aluminium tariffs rather than the broader reciprocal levies.

It is set to include US meat, cereals, wine, wood and clothing as well as chewing gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners and toilet paper.