Following in China's footsteps, the European Union is readying a retaliatory response to US President Donald Trump’s "reciprocal tariffs" policy. Brussels is considering imposing a 25% duty on a selection of American goods.
A draft list, which includes products such as cigarettes, steel, textiles, eggs and poultry, has already been prepared.
According to Reuters, the proposal was submitted to EU trade ministers on Monday, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday.
This proposed move comes in response to US tariffs imposed on European steel and aluminium, prompting EU leaders to craft a proportional reply.
However, bourbon whisky has notably been excluded from the tariff list, amid resistance from France and Italy.
Both nations—being among the world’s largest exporters of wine and spirits—are reluctant to provoke Washington further, especially after threats of a 200% tariff on European alcohol exports.
On 2 April, Trump unveiled his new "reciprocal tariff" policy, introducing a blanket 10% minimum tariff on all imports and a 20% tariff specifically on goods from the European Union.
The announcement has sparked widespread condemnation from international leaders, with several nations voicing strong opposition.
China has already responded by declaring its own set of retaliatory tariffs, escalating fears of a broader trade war.
