The European Union has unveiled plans to target $79.2 billion (€72 billion) worth of U.S. goods in a new round of trade countermeasures. This is happening because the EU and the U.S. are having trade disagreements. Most of the targeted items are factory-made goods like machinery and equipment. This move will make American products more expensive for people in Europe to buy, which is the EU’s way of fighting back in the ongoing trade dispute.
According to Politico, the European Commission’s proposed list, which spans 200 pages, includes a wide range of American products. Of the total amount, $72.3 billion (€65.7 billion) targets industrial goods, while $7 billion (€6.4 billion) focuses on agricultural products, adding to concerns about how tariffs will make everyday items more expensive, including fruits that will be 25% more expensive due to Trump’s tariff plan. Despite strong opposition from France and Ireland to protect the drinks sector, bourbon whiskey remains on the list.
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 30 percent blanket tariff on EU exports starting August 1 if no trade deal is reached. The EU’s response targets key American industries, with aircraft and aircraft parts forming the largest category at approximately $12.1 billion (€11 billion), potentially affecting Boeing significantly at a time when the company is already facing scrutiny over safety concerns with various aircraft models.
Major U.S. industries targeted by the EU’s countermeasures
The list continues with several other major categories, including machinery, automobiles and auto parts, chemicals and plastics, medical devices and equipment, and various industrial goods. Each of these categories represents billions in potential tariffs.
It is in response to Trump's sudden tariff threat against Europe that EU foreign trade ministers have gathered in Brussels for an extraordinary meeting. Donald Trump announced over the weekend that starting August 1, the US will impose 30 percent tariffs on goods from the EU.
— Helena (@HelenaGoransson) July 15, 2025
The current proposal shows a reduction from an earlier version that suggested targeting $104.5 billion (€95 billion) worth of U.S. goods. The European Commission has explained to EU countries that their selection of products is based on specific criteria.
The Commission’s approach focuses on three main factors: the need to restore balance in light of U.S. tariffs affecting EU exports, the availability of alternative supply sources both within and outside the EU, and the risk of business relocation.
Before these measures can take effect, EU member countries must formally approve them. While trade ministers have supported the Commission’s negotiating strategy in a recent meeting, no vote has been scheduled yet. Meanwhile, the EU has delayed implementing its first round of countermeasures, worth $23.1 billion (€21 billion), until Aug. 6 to allow time for trade negotiations.
