US Tariffs Could Impact 97% of EU Exports, Warns Trade Official

Leopoldo Rubinacci, Deputy Director General of the European Commission’s Trade Directorate, cautioned that U.S. tariffs may soon affect 97% of European Union exports to the United States. Addressing the European Parliament’s trade committee, Rubinacci revealed that existing duties already target 70% of EU exports—valued at €380 billion ($425 billion). He highlighted ongoing investigations by the U.S. administration under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, which could extend tariffs to aviation products, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, timber, copper, and other goods. Should the Trump administration impose these additional levies, the share of impacted EU exports would surge from 70% to 97%.