EU prepares €93bn in tariffs against the US

The EU is preparing trade duties against the US worth €93 billion

The European Union countries are discussing the possibility of imposing large-scale trade duties against the United States in the amount of up to 93 billion euros or even restricting the access of US companies to the EU market. This is reported by the Financial Times.

According to the publication, the options include tariffs on a wide range of US goods and the use of tougher economic pressure.

The mechanism of economic coercion

France insists on activating the ACI (Anti-Coercion Instrument) mechanism, adopted by the EU in 2023 to counteract economic coercion by third countries.

This instrument allows the European Union to:

• restrict investments from the opposing country;

• block the export of services of technology giants, including companies Big Tech;

• Impose targeted economic sanctions.

The «carrot and stick» strategy»

At the same time, Brussels is trying to avoid a direct trade war with the United States. According to the FT, the EU has chosen the tactic of demonstrating strength, leaving room for compromise.

European capitals are ready to give Donald Trump the opportunity to «come down from the ladder» and negotiate to 1 February - the date of the introduction of US duties against the EU.

Context.

The threat of new US tariffs has once again strained trade relations between Washington and Brussels. The EU fears that tough US moves could undermine exports, investment and transatlantic economic cooperation, forcing the bloc to fully invoke the ACI mechanism for the first time.