Jeans, whisky, Harley Davidson: EU counter-tariffs hit icons of the American way of life

Brussels – Jeans, T-shirts, whisky, cigars and tobacco, Harley Davidsons, pick-up trucks, boats, barbecues, camping gear: the EU is preparing to strike at everything that represents the ‘American way of life’, with progressive tariffs of up to 30 percent on all iconic US products sold within the single market. The list drawn up by the European Commission services, in consultation with the member states, in the event of no Euro-Atlantic agreement on tariffs by the beginning of August, strikes at the heart of the US.

The regulation that de facto approves EU countermeasures to US tariffs, along with a list of products to which the European counter-tariffs would apply, envisions a three-stage reaction: tariffs from 10 to 25 percent, depending on the type of product, will be imposed as of 7 August. These tariffs will rise to 30 percent from September 7. In addition, in the event of an open trade war, the regulation also stipulates a ban on direct and indirect exports of scrap iron, steel, and aluminium scrap as of September 7. 

The third phase would come into force from February 7, 2026, with additional European tariffs of 10 percent on physical or chemical analysis instruments and devices produced in the United States, and 30 percent tariffs on the selling price in the EU of laser equipment and laser telescopes. Additionally, tariffs of 30 percent are expected to be imposed on pellets, plant extracts, grapes, and dried legumes starting from February 7.

 So, this is the 90-billion-euro ‘bazooka’ put in place to respond to the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies. The European Commission’s hope remains to find a negotiated and agreed understanding that can avoid activating response instruments that have been developed and are ready in case of a failed deal.

All kind of things end up on the list of US products subject to tariffs in the event of a failure to reach an agreement: also included are painted canvases for scenic use, ceramic products for furniture, mirrors, iron or cast iron tanks with a capacity of up to 300 liters, rice and rice products, mineral essential oils, tablecloths and napkins, jewelry, glassware and even lighters. In short, the EU is trying to flex its muscles, hoping it will not have to.