Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission
3.6.2025
The EU countermeasures in response to the unjustified United States (US) tariffs on EU exports of steel and aluminium were adopted on 14 April 2025[1].
Following exchanges with the Member States, the adopted measures do not include alcoholic products. This decision is in line with the objective to defend European interests effectively while ensuring a proportionate and well calibrated response.
In the meantime, the US have delayed by 90 days its country-specific universal tariffs. Given the commitment to negotiated solutions, the Commission decided to put the adopted EU countermeasures on hold for 90 days[2].
This gesture of goodwill will give time for negotiations to proceed . If, however, the negotiations are not satisfactory, the EU countermeasures will come into force on 14 July 2025 .
In addition, on 8 May 2025, the Commission launched a stakeholder consultation on further EU rebalancing measures[3] against other unjustified US tariffs, which also hit EU exports of wine and spirits. Wine and spirits are covered in the list of products considered for a possible EU response.
While the priority remains a negotiated solution, the Commission is fully committed to defending EU interests in a firm, proportional and calibrated manner .
No options are off the table, including in the digital services sector . However, for now, the immediate priority is to preserve room for negotiation.
- [1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 of 14 April 2025 on commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States of America and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/886, OJ L, 2025/778, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/778/oj.
- [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/786 of 14 April 2025 suspending commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2882, OJ L, 2025/786, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/786/oj.
- [3] https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/consultations/information-gathering-notice-under-regulation-eu-no-6542014-new-us-tariffs-imports-originating-or-eu_en.