The European Union (EU) is now ready to impose €72 billion (RM370 billion) in retaliatory tariffs on goods from the United States (US), following President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 30% tariff on EU imports if no deal is reached by August 1.
European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said a list of targeted products had been submitted to member states for discussion, including US-made aircraft and bourbon.
The list was reduced from €95 billion after negotiations with industry and member states, but has not yet been formally approved.
The move follows Trump's comments on Truth Social that put pressure on the talks as negotiations neared an agreement on a basic tariff of 10%, with exemptions for certain sectors such as aircraft and alcohol.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also postponed the €21 billion retaliatory measures until August 1.
France has urged the EU to consider using the anti-coercion instrument, a trade defence mechanism dubbed the “nuclear option”, but Von Der Leyen said the current situation did not yet require such drastic measures.
Differences of opinion are expected to arise among member states depending on which sectors would be most affected if a deal is struck.
Further talks between the EU and the US are scheduled to take place on Monday evening.
