Ammon News - European Union nations are preparing to show a united stance in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures, with plans to approve an initial round of retaliatory tariffs on up to $28 billion worth of American goods—ranging from dental floss to diamonds—within the coming days.

This move would place the EU alongside China and Canada in implementing counter-tariffs against the United States, potentially intensifying concerns of a broader global trade conflict. Economists warn such an escalation could raise consumer prices worldwide and increase the risk of a global recession.

The 27-member bloc is currently facing 25% U.S. import duties on steel, aluminium, and cars, with an additional 20% tariff on nearly all other goods starting Wednesday. These tariffs affect about 70% of EU exports to the U.S., which totalled €532 billion ($585 billion) last year. Further levies on products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and timber are also anticipated.

The European Commission, responsible for overseeing EU trade policy, is expected to present its members with a targeted list of American goods for retaliatory tariffs—focused in response to the steel and aluminium duties rather than broader reciprocal measures.

The proposed list includes U.S. exports such as meat, cereals, wine, wood products, clothing, chewing gum, vacuum cleaners, toilet paper, and dental floss. One notable point of contention has been bourbon, for which the Commission has suggested a 50% tariff. Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on EU alcoholic beverages in response, prompting concern among key exporters like France and Italy.

The EU, a strong advocate of free trade, is striving for a coordinated response to increase pressure on Washington and encourage negotiations. Trade ministers from all 27 EU nations are set to meet in Luxembourg on Monday—their first joint session since Trump’s tariff announcement—to align strategies and responses.

According to EU diplomats, the primary objective is to deliver a unified message: a willingness to negotiate the removal of tariffs, but readiness to impose countermeasures if necessary. "After Brexit, our main concern was a fragmentation of unity through bilateral deals. But that didn’t materialise. Now, while the context is different, all members see value in a unified trade strategy," one diplomat commented.