A list circulated to EU capitals contains roughly 1,700 US items slated for a 25-percent tariff, plus 50 more that would face 10 percent, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Member states are set to decide on the plan within days.
If a majority backs the measures, an initial wave could take effect in mid-April, followed by a second round next month.
Key targets
Targeted imports include motorcycles, yachts, jeans, clothing, precious stones and certain food items, many originating in states that backed Donald Trump in the presidential election.
However, bourbon whiskey – once on the list – was removed following pressure from countries such as France, Spain and Italy, which fear US retaliation, the IAR news agency reported.
'Europe is ready to negotiate with US'
While the European Union readies punitive measures to match US tariffs, it also extended an olive branch: "zero-for-zero tariffs" on both exports and imports of cars, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics and machinery.
EU officials hope to head off further US escalation, particularly Washington’s threatened reciprocal tariffs on auto imports, according to reports.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that "Europe is ready to negotiate with the US" over tariffs, while also being "prepared to respond with countermeasures."
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP