EU targets Boeing, bourbon for tariffs on American goods

Brussels: The European Commission is targeting 72 billion euros ($84.1 billion) worth of US goods - from Boeing aircraft and bourbon whiskey to cars - for possible tariffs if trade talks with Washington fail.

US President Trump is threatening a 30% tariff on imports from the EU from Aug 1, a level European officials say is unacceptable and would end normal trade between two of the world's largest markets. The list, sent to EU member states and seen by Reuters Tuesday, pre-dates Trump's move to ramp up pressure on the bloc and responds instead to US duties on cars and car parts and a 10% baseline tariff. The package also covers chemicals, medical devices, electrical and precision equipment as well as agriculture and food products valued at ₹6.35 billion.

Following a meeting of EU ministers in Brussels on Monday, officials said they were still seeking a deal to avoid Trump's heavy tariff blow. But EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said those at the meeting expressed unprecedented resolve to protect EU businesses using European countermeasures if talks with US fail to produce a deal.

Reuters