The European Commission is preparing a diplomatic intervention to the Trump administration, requesting exemptions for specific products from upcoming US tariffs. According to Politico sources, Brussels has compiled an extensive list of goods critical to the European economy.
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Which products are included in the Commission’s tariff exemption list
European officials are prioritizing traditional products with high export value. Pasta, cheese and wines represent core pillars of European gastronomy that the Commission seeks to protect. Meanwhile, alcoholic beverages, olive oil and sunglasses complete the list of consumer goods. Industrial production is equally well represented on the list. Diamonds, tools and metal pipes, along with ship engine components and industrial equipment, form part of the strategy. Additionally, textiles, shoes, hats, ceramics and industrial robots complete the range of products Brussels wants to exempt from additional tariffs.
What the existing Trump agreement doesn’t cover
The products included in the new list are not covered by the trade agreement signed by Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen last July in Scotland. That specific agreement, detailed in a joint statement the following month, provided exemptions only for certain categories. Aircraft and generic pharmaceuticals were exempted from tariffs, however the majority of European exports were burdened with a 15% tariff. Correspondingly, the European Union committed to fully eliminating its tariffs on American industrial products, creating a framework of partial trade balance.
The meeting with US officials
The timeline for the European initiative has already been finalized. EU countries approved the final list on Friday, which will be tabled on Monday. The meeting will include US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who will meet with their EU counterparts.
