May 9, 2025 15:21
While reaffirming its willingness to reach an agreement with the Trump administration to avoid sparking a trade war, the European Commission is preparing to impose counter-tariffs on a broad list of U.S. goods.
The list includes chemicals, plastics and rubber, related articles, and processing machinery and equipment (see attached list), with a total estimated value of €95 billion. Additional restrictions are also being considered on certain EU exports to the U.S., such as ferrous scrap and chemical products, worth approximately €4.4 billion.
| Category | Examples of Products |
|---|---|
| Polymers in primary form | PE, PP, PVC, PA, PUR, PC, epoxy resins |
| Plastic semi-finished products | Sheets, films, foils, tapes |
| Finished plastic articles | Gloves, pens, furniture, clothing |
| Plastic waste and scraps | PE, PVC trimmings and similar |
| Natural and synthetic rubber | SBR, NBR, EPDM, vulcanised rubber |
| Technical rubber items | Gaskets, mats, sanitary articles |
| Tyres and inner tubes | New and retreaded tyres |
| Conveyor belts and drive belts | Belts made of vulcanised rubber |
| Machinery for rubber and plastics | Extruders, presses, mixers |
| Machine components | Metal or plastic machine parts |
To assess the potential impact on European industry, the Commission has launched a public consultation, open until June 10. The U.S. initially announced the tariffs in early April, but enforcement was suspended for 90 days.
The list published by Brussels is extensive, covering primary polymers such as polyolefins, PVC, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, and polyurethanes.
Also included are semi-finished products like sheets, films, polymeric foils, monofilaments, and a variety of finished goods, along with production scrap and offcuts.
Rubber—both natural and synthetic—is also on the list, including recycled and processed forms such as sheets, profiles, tubes, mats, gaskets, as well as finished goods like tires, belts, and conveyor systems.
On the machinery front, the EU is targeting equipment for processing plastics and rubber and machines for manufacturing finished items from these materials, along with relevant parts and components.
The full list is available as an attachment.
The EU has also filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization against the U.S., challenging the legality of the “reciprocal” universal tariffs and the duties on cars and automotive parts. At the same time, Brussels is pushing forward with negotiations with other trade partners to open up new markets, diversify supply chains, and continue efforts to reduce barriers and strengthen the EU single market.
“Tariffs are already having a negative impact on the global economies,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “The EU remains fully committed to finding negotiated outcomes with the U.S. We believe there are good deals to be made for the benefit of consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. At the same time, we continue preparing for all possibilities, and the consultation launched today will help guide us in this necessary work.”
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