As the clock ticks down on the US's 90-day tariff truce, the European Union is gearing up for a potential trade showdown.
The bloc currently faces 25% import duties from the United States on steel, aluminum and cars, along with 10% reciprocal tariffs on nearly all other goods. Unless a fair deal emerges by July 8, those duties could climb to 20%.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic says the pause is a window to prepare rebalancing measures and secure a level playing field if talks falter. 'All options remain on the table,' he warned in parliament.
Right now, US levies cover about 70% of EU exports to the United States. That could jump to 97% after Washington wraps up investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and more.
To keep markets stable, the EU has also set up a task force to monitor any import surge from diverted trade. Its first findings are due mid-May — a key milestone ahead of the pause expiry.
Meanwhile, other partners are already lining up to strengthen ties with the 27-nation bloc, underscoring the EU's global appeal in a shifting trade landscape.
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EU mulls anti-tariff measures: 'All options remain on the table'
cgtn.com
