European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has raised the alarm over a potential trade clash with the United States, warning that the U.S. may impose tariffs on up to 97% of European exports.
He cautioned that recent investigations launched by the U.S. administration could lead to a wave of new tariffs on EU goods, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals, and truck parts.
“In addition to an ongoing investigation into timber, the U.S. administration recently opened six more investigations to determine the impact of imports on national security,” Sefcovic stated while addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
He emphasized that if these investigations result in tariffs, then “97% of EU exports to the U.S. would be subject to import duties, representing a trade volume of €549 billion ($622.8 billion).”
“This situation is unacceptable, and we cannot afford to stand idly by,” he said.
Sefcovic reaffirmed that the EU is committed to a diplomatic solution but is also preparing for more aggressive scenarios.
“We now need the U.S. to demonstrate readiness to make progress toward a fair and balanced solution,” he stressed.
Brussels is considering the possibility of filing a case with international institutions to uphold multilateral trade rules, while also intensifying negotiations with other trade partners.
“The U.S. represents 13% of global trade. That’s significant. But we must not forget the remaining 87%,” Sefcovic concluded.
