European Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, has raised concerns over the possibility of sweeping new tariffs from the United States on European exports, warning that up to 97 percent of EU goods heading to the U.S. could be affected.
While addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, Šefčovič said the U.S. government, in addition to an existing probe on lumber, has initiated six more investigations that could impact strategic sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals, and automotive components.
He stressed that if these probes result in punitive tariffs, it would affect a trade volume of approximately 549 billion euros (over \$622 billion).
Calling the situation “unacceptable,” the commissioner emphasized the need for the EU to act rather than remain passive.
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While reiterating the bloc’s commitment to diplomacy, he noted that Brussels is simultaneously preparing for legal action to uphold multilateral trade rules and is intensifying negotiations with other international partners.
Šefčovič said that while the United States remains a major trade partner, accounting for 13 percent of global trade, the EU cannot afford to ignore the other 87 percent of global opportunities.
He urged the U.S. administration to demonstrate genuine willingness to engage in balanced negotiations to avoid a deepening trade rift.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump had paused special import duties on goods from most major partners, including the EU, for 90 days.
In response, the European Union suspended its planned countermeasures, creating a temporary window for negotiations.
NAN
