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Investing.com -- Brussels is preparing to propose tariffs on Boeing (NYSE:BA) aircraft as part of a broader response plan if ongoing trade talks with Washington fail to yield progress, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
Citing two sources familiar with the discussions, the report notes that the European Commission plans to include civilian aircraft on a list of around €100 billion worth of U.S. imports that could be targeted.
These measures, however, would only come into effect if the EU sees insufficient movement from the U.S. on easing existing tariffs. Approval from a weighted majority of EU member states would be required before any action is taken.
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a minimum 20% tariff on nearly all EU exports on April 2 as part of his "reciprocal" trade approach, though he later reduced it to 10% for a 90-day period to allow room for negotiations.
Other U.S. tariffs—25% on EU steel, aluminium, and cars—remain in place. In response, the EU has suspended retaliatory duties on €21 billion of American goods, such as Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) motorcycles, clothing, and poultry, until July 14 to support ongoing talks.
Unless a deal is struck by then, a new round of EU tariffs, potentially targeting aircraft and chemical products, could be implemented, the report said. The draft list of targeted items is expected to be sent to member states shortly, though it may still be revised, it added.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic told the European Parliament on Tuesday that the bloc would not be pressured into accepting a one-sided tariff agreement with the United States.
While talks remain the preferred path, he said the EU is preparing additional countermeasures should negotiations break down.
"All options remain on the table here," he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. must now demonstrate a willingness to move toward a fair outcome. “We do not feel weak. We do not feel under undue pressure to accept a deal, which would not be fair for us,” he added.
Sefcovic noted that current U.S. tariffs affect 70% of EU exports to America, a figure that could climb to 97% if further trade actions target pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and other goods. He also highlighted the EU’s broader trade efforts beyond the U.S., pointing to ongoing talks with India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
