EU countries to approve first tariffs in response to US tariffs today

European Union countries are set to approve the bloc’s first countermeasures to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, joining China and Canada, Reuters reported.

A committee of trade experts from the 27 EU countries will vote on the Commission proposal this afternoon, which will only be blocked if a “qualified majority” of the 15 EU members, representing 65% of the bloc’s population, vote against it. The publication notes that this is unlikely, given that the Commission has already consulted EU members and refined its initial list from mid-March, excluding US dairy and alcoholic drinks. Big wine exporters France and Italy have expressed concern after Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on EU wine and spirits if the EU follows through on a planned 50% tariff on bourbon.

The European Commission, which coordinates EU trade policy, proposed additional duties, mostly of 25%, on a range of US goods on Monday in retaliation for US tariffs on metals. The EC is still deciding how to respond to other tariffs, including those on cars.

The imports include motorcycles, poultry, fruit, wood, clothing and dental floss, according to a document seen by Reuters. Last year’s imports totalled around 21 billion euros, meaning the EU’s retaliatory measures would target less than the 26 billion euros of EU metal exports affected by the US tariffs.

They are due to take effect in stages on April 15, May 16 and December 1.

The Euro tariffs are set to be approved when Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs on the EU and dozens of countries take effect, including a massive 104% tariff on China.

The 27-nation bloc faces 25% import duties on steel, aluminum and cars, as well as new, broader tariffs of 20% on almost everything else. Trump said the move would hit countries that “put up high barriers to imports.”