EU member countries are close to an agreement on the customs duties to be applied to the USA.

On Monday, trade ministers meeting in Luxembourg came close to agreeing on a list of goods to be targeted in response to the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum.

As trade ministers from EU member countries gathered in Luxembourg on Monday, they moved closer to an agreement on the initial tariffs to be applied to the U.S. However, discussions continue regarding the second round of talks aimed at addressing the 20% general tariff on other imports and the 25% fixed tax on cars. The countermeasures expected to be approved on Wednesday are anticipated to initially include U.S. products like bourbon whiskey. The 'whiskey' move has become controversial, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tax on European wines and spirits if whiskey remained on the list. France, Italy, and Spain have led calls in recent weeks to remove whiskey from this list to avoid escalating tensions with the U.S. An EU diplomat speaking to Euronews stated, "We need to establish the right balance to protect EU economies," adding, "We are united in wanting to respond proportionately since retaliatory measures against U.S. products will have a cascading effect on our producers." The precautionary tariffs will be implemented gradually starting April 15, with a second wave beginning on May 15. The aim of the initial tariffs is to push the U.S. to the negotiating table and signal that the EU is ready to stand 'firm' in the ongoing trade dispute. While the final agreement on the first phase of tariffs is expected to be completed by Wednesday, the second phase is still under discussion. The second phase will address U.S. tariffs on automobiles and other sectors, but member countries are divided on the best approach. Major economies like France and Germany indicate they are open to more aggressive countermeasures, such as excluding U.S. companies from EU public tenders, while countries like Spain, Italy, and Ireland favor a more cautious response. Despite these divisions, the EU aims to present a united front. When the first list is approved, the EU hopes it can serve as leverage in future negotiations with the U.S. and emphasizes that the bloc is ready to escalate tensions if necessary. However, leaders want to avoid a trade war and are determined to strike a balance with Washington.