Fact Check: "European Commission has not confirmed if US tariffs will trigger retaliation."
What We Know
The European Commission has indeed indicated that it is preparing for potential retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products in response to ongoing trade tensions. On May 8, 2025, the Commission announced a consultation regarding possible countermeasures, including tariffs on U.S. aircraft, car parts, and other goods, should trade negotiations with the U.S. fail (Washington Post). This consultation is part of a broader strategy to address U.S. tariffs that have already been imposed on EU products, particularly in the steel and aluminum sectors (Mayer Brown).
The European Commission has not definitively confirmed whether these tariffs will be enacted, as they are still in the consultation phase, which allows for feedback from stakeholders before any final decisions are made. The list of targeted U.S. products is subject to change based on this consultation process (Mayer Brown).
Analysis
The claim that the European Commission has not confirmed if U.S. tariffs will trigger retaliation is partially true. While the Commission has not made a definitive announcement regarding the immediate implementation of tariffs, it has clearly stated its intention to prepare for all possibilities, including retaliation (Washington Post).
The source of this information, the Washington Post, is a reputable news organization known for its comprehensive reporting on international trade issues. However, the nuances of the situation—such as the ongoing consultations and the lack of immediate action—are critical to understanding the context. The European Commission's statements reflect a strategic approach to negotiations, indicating that while retaliation is on the table, it is not guaranteed at this moment (Mayer Brown).
Moreover, the European Commission has emphasized that ongoing negotiations are a priority, and the potential for countermeasures is intended to keep pressure on the U.S. to reach a favorable trade agreement (Mayer Brown). This suggests that the Commission is using the threat of tariffs as leverage rather than as an immediate course of action.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. The European Commission has not confirmed that U.S. tariffs will trigger retaliation in a definitive manner, as it is still in the consultation phase regarding potential countermeasures. However, it has indicated that retaliation is a possibility, depending on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations. This ambiguity reflects the complexities of international trade discussions and the strategic positioning of the EU in response to U.S. tariffs.
Sources
- E.U. threatens tariffs on aircraft, car parts if U.S. trade talks fail
- European Commission Initiates Consultation on New Retaliation in Response to US Tariffs
- EU threatens countermeasures over Trump's steel tariffs hike
- EU countries set to approve first retaliation against U.S. tariffs
- Commission responds to unjustified US steel and aluminium tariffs
