EU expands list of American goods for retaliatory duties

The EU is expanding the list of American goods that may be subject to retaliatory duties if the United States imposes additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Trump's new measures are estimated to affect European exports worth up to €28 billion, which is four times more than before. The US president has proposed 25% duties on steel and aluminum, which could take effect on March 12, and is also planning reciprocal duties, which complicates trade.

The list of American goods prepared by the EU in response to previous measures has been frozen until the end of March. However, it will automatically come into force if Washington accepts the new restrictions. The adjustment of the list depends on the impact of the US duties. The EU is assessing the economic consequences for member states, the possibility of supply substitution, and the effect on the United States. The response measures must comply with the requirements of the World Trade Organization.

In 2021, the parties reached a temporary trade «truce» under the Biden administration. The United States partially lifted restrictions by introducing quotas, the excess of which was subject to duties, and the EU froze its sanctions.