European Union member states have voted to approve a package of potential counter-tariffs on €93 billion worth of American goods, to be triggered only if trade negotiations with the United States fail before the August 1 deadline. The decision signals growing tensions in transatlantic trade relations as both sides attempt to avoid a tariff war.
The European Commission had already stated that its main goal remains a negotiated agreement to prevent the imposition of sweeping 30% US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. However, EU diplomats confirmed that preparations for retaliatory action would continue in parallel to negotiations.
The newly approved countermeasure list consolidates two earlier proposals — one valued at €21 billion and the other at €72 billion — into a single comprehensive package. These measures will not come into force until August 7 at the earliest, allowing additional time for talks to progress.
Despite repeated threats from the Trump administration, the EU has refrained from introducing any counter-tariffs so far. A first package was approved in April but was suspended to keep negotiation channels open.
EU officials are cautiously optimistic that a deal is within reach. Under a potential framework, the United States may implement a uniform 15% tariff on a broad range of EU imports, similar to the deal previously agreed with Japan. Key sectors likely to be affected include automobiles and pharmaceuticals. However, essential goods such as aircraft parts, lumber, select medicines, and agricultural items could be exempt.
US steel imports are expected to remain subject to the current 50% tariff, as Washington has shown little willingness to reduce duties in that area.
Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, emphasized that the EU remains committed to a negotiated solution. “Our objective remains a mutually beneficial deal by 1 August,” he said. “But we must also prepare for all eventualities.”
Harris added that the newly adopted counter-tariffs are “not escalatory” but part of a “calm, measured preparation” in case discussions collapse. He also noted that Ireland succeeded in reducing its exposure to the new tariff list following consultations with the European Commission.
According to the Irish government’s analysis, exposure to the €72 billion portion of the consolidated EU list has been cut from €12.6 billion to €10.2 billion. Sensitive goods such as pure-bred horses, sugar, molasses, and chocolate products were among 30 agri-food items removed from the list, accounting for €33 million in trade.
While the EU is hopeful that talks will yield a deal, officials made clear that the bloc must be able to respond decisively if punitive tariffs are imposed by Washington.
