EU blocks US flights and whiskey in push for treaty
EU Eyes U.S. Aircraft in Tariff Retaliation
Background
Brussels is preparing a retaliatory tariff list that could hit U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros ($84 billion) if trade talks collapse. The plan follows a U.S. push for a 30‑percent levy on European imports starting August 1.
Key Targets
- U.S. aircraft, cars, chemicals and electrical equipment
- Bourbon whiskey, contentious due to fears of wine and spirits backlash
- Miscellaneous items: live bees, camels, parrots, condoms and opium
- Unexpected goods: nails, snails, Christmas trees
Negotiation Status
Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic discusses the list with U.S. counterpart Jamieson Greer after a meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The European Commission stresses confidence in achieving a “good outcome” before the August 1 deadline.
U.S. Countermoves
President Donald Trump announced a U.S. tariff slate on August 1, a reaction to a first EU package of 21 billion euros following Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs. The EU’s second retaliation package remains on hold until early next month to allow for further dialogue.
Next Steps
Commission spokesman Olof Gill indicates that a technical trade policy team is traveling to Washington “as we speak” to secure an agreement in principle. The EU signals it will not decide on the second round of tariffs before August 1.
