EU Prepares to Retaliate Against US Tariffs

The European Union is preparing to retaliate against the United States over new tariffs imposed by President Trump, with a focus on a 10% flat global tariff. France’s trade minister, Nicolas Forissier, has stated that the EU has the necessary tools to respond, including the Anti-Coercion Instrument and a suspended package of retaliatory tariffs on over €90 billion of US goods.

Role of the European Commission

The European Commission will play a key role in coordinating the EU’s response, including drafting retaliatory measures and implementing existing tools such as safeguard measures and the Anti-Coercion Instrument. The Commission will also act as a diplomatic liaison, seeking clarity from the US administration on the next steps they intend to take.

Potential Retaliation

The EU’s potential retaliation could target approximately €8 billion worth of US-origin goods with duties of 10-25%. The Commission has also established an Import Surveillance Task Force to collect evidence and support the development of other EU policy responses.

Sources

• Reuters – France says EU has the tools to hit back at Trump over tariffs, FT reports
• RFI – French trade minister says EU has the tools to hit back at Trump over tariffs
• Euractiv – Macron urges caution over impact of US tariff ruling
• EU Commission seeks ‘clarity’ from White House after Supreme Court tariff ruling (Euronews, 20 Feb 2026)