The European Union is hitting back at former US President Donald Trump’s recent trade war rhetoric by proposing 25% counter-tariffs on American goods, reigniting a long-standing transatlantic trade dispute.

According to a document accessed by Reuters, EU member states are expected to vote on the proposal on April 9, with the new tariffs likely taking effect from April 15, although most duties won’t be enforced until mid-May or December 1, depending on the product.

Steel, Aluminium, and Now More: EU’s Expanding Defense

This move follows a series of measures:

On April 1, the EU tightened existing steel safeguards to reduce imports by 15%.
The Commission is now also exploring import quotas for aluminium, signaling a broader strategy to protect European industries.

What Products Are Being Targeted?

The proposed list of American products includes:

Diamonds
Eggs
Dental floss
Sausages
Poultry

In a later phase, starting December 1, almonds and soybeans will also be hit with tariffs. Interestingly, previously discussed items like bourbon, wine, and dairy have been dropped from the list after internal debates.

Bourbon and Wine Saved—for Now

Initially, the EU had considered a hefty 50% tariff on bourbon, prompting Trump to threaten a 200% counter-tariff on EU alcoholic beverages. This proposal alarmed France and Italy, both of which rely heavily on wine exports.

To avoid escalating the tension, the EU decided to exclude alcohol from the final list — at least for now.

A Trade Tussle Reignited

The US-EU trade tensions date back to 2018, when Trump imposed heavy tariffs on steel and aluminum. In response, the EU slapped 25% tariffs on several US goods, including American whiskey.

These were later suspended in 2021 under President Joe Biden, allowing some stability in transatlantic trade. However, Trump’s renewed tariff push has brought the conflict back to the forefront.

What’s Next?

The European Commission hasn’t officially commented on the new proposal yet, but EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic claimed that the impact of these countermeasures would be less severe than the previously announced €26 billion plan.

With EU member states expected to approve the move soon, all eyes are on the April 9 vote — a decision that could once again reshape global trade dynamics.