The European Union plans to impose tariffs on 72 billion euros worth of American products

If the trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States break down, the European Commission plans to impose tariffs on a series of US exports, including high-value items such as aircraft, machinery, automobiles, chemicals and medical equipment.

Reuters reported that this is the second round of tariff plan proposed by the European Commission, aiming to respond to the US tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, as well as the current benchmark tariff rate of 10% set for most imported goods. As the trade policy executive body of the 27 countries, the European Commission has currently submitted the relevant list to member states for review.

US President Trump recently stated that a 30% benchmark tariff will be imposed on EU goods starting from August 1. Eu officials are strongly dissatisfied with this move, considering it "unacceptable" and believing it may disrupt the normal trade order between the world's two largest economies.

According to documents obtained by Reuters, the total value of US products covered by the EU's tax list amounts to 72 billion euros. Besides bulk industrial goods, it also includes electrical equipment, precision instruments, and agricultural and food products such as wine, beer, spirits, fruits and vegetables, involving an amount of approximately 6.35 billion euros.

In April this year, the European Union had already passed the first round of tariff plans, targeting a total of 21 billion euros worth of American goods. However, to prevent the situation from escalating, the European side subsequently decided to postpone the implementation until August 6.

Although the European side still hopes to avoid a tough tax increase by the US through dialogue, the EU's Executive Vice President for Trade, Sevjovic, pointed out recently that member states unanimously believe that if the negotiations fail, the EU must be prepared to take countermeasures.

The EU proposed this second round of tariff plan in May and launched a public consultation. At that time, the taxable objects covered American products worth a total of 95 billion euros. However, after adjustment, the list has now been reduced, but most key items have still been retained.