The European Commission is set to propose 25% tariffs on a range of US products in retaliation for American tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, according to a document obtained by Reuters.

The proposal suggests these tariffs would take effect from May 16.

The same document indicates that some of the EU’s countermeasures are scheduled to be implemented from December 1.

Targeted US goods include a broad list of items ranging from diamonds and dental floss to sausages, nuts, and soybeans.

According to Reuters, items such as bourbon, wine, and dairy products have been removed from the original draft list that the European Commission was considering for possible tariffs.

Former US President Donald Trump had previously threatened to impose 200% tariffs on European alcoholic beverages if the EU moved forward with its plan.

Earlier, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated that the countermeasures would have a smaller impact than the €26 billion previously estimated. He reassured that the EU would use all available tools to protect its single market.

Moreover, the situation marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing trade war, as Donald Trump issued new threats of tariffs against China unless it withdraws its newly imposed 34% retaliatory duties.

Trump accused Beijing of “historically high tariffs,” “illegal non-monetary barriers,” “unfair subsidies to businesses,” and “long-term currency manipulation.” He stated that these actions amount to years of abuse of the US trade system and would no longer go unanswered.

In a post on TruthSocial, Trump wrote: “Yesterday, China imposed 34% retaliatory tariffs, in addition to the already unprecedented duties, illegal subsidies to companies, and long-standing currency manipulation—despite my warning that any country retaliating against the United States with additional tariffs, beyond their existing abusive long-term practices, will face immediate and significantly higher tariffs, in addition to those already in place.”

Trump added that if China does not withdraw the 34% increase by April 8, 2025, the United States will impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports effective April 9. He further announced the immediate cancellation of all scheduled meetings and negotiations with China, while talks with other countries expressing interest would begin without delay.

In line with this announcement, all previously scheduled discussions with China are officially canceled, and the US will shift its focus to negotiations with other interested nations.