EU: Public consultation on potential countermeasures against U.S. tariffs

The European Commission on May 7, 2025, announced the launch of a public consultation regarding potential EU countermeasures on a list of U.S. imports, contingent upon the outcome of ongoing EU-U.S. negotiations aimed at removing U.S. tariffs. The consultation covers U.S. imports worth €95 billion, including industrial and agricultural products, and potential restrictions on EU exports of steel scrap and chemical products to the U.S. valued at €4.4 billion.

According to the EC release, the public consultation aims to address the U.S. universal tariffs and tariffs on cars and car parts. The EU is preparing potential countermeasures if negotiations fail. The consultation will remain open until June 10, 2025. 

In parallel, the EU plans to launch a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute against the U.S. tariffs, asserting they violate WTO rules.

Background

The United States imposed tariffs on EU goods, including a 20% tariff on reciprocal goods and a 25% tariff on vehicles and car parts, as well as tariffs on steel, aluminum, and derivative products. In response, the EU has prioritized negotiations, including a 90-day partial suspension of tariffs announced by the United States on April 9, 2025. The EU has paused planned countermeasures against U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports for 90 days to facilitate negotiations. Read TradeNewsFlash