The European Union is preparing additional counter-tariffs on imports from the United States worth €72 billion ($84 billion) as trade tensions escalate following recent moves by the US administration to impose new tariffs. This development comes amidst ongoing efforts by both sides to find a negotiated solution to the Section 232 tariffs, which EU officials deem "completely unacceptable."
EU's Stance on Trade Disputes
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic stated on Monday that while the EU and US are working to find a solution for the Section 232 tariffs, EU ministers have agreed that rebalancing actions may be necessary if trade talks do not succeed. Sefcovic emphasized that the current uncertainty caused by unjustified tariffs cannot persist indefinitely and that the EU must be prepared for all outcomes, including "well-considered, proportionate countermeasures to restore the balance in our transatlantic relationship." The proposed 30% tariffs by the US President Donald Trump would "effectively prohibit" mutual trade, according to Sefcovic.
The EU has already suspended an initial package of counter-tariffs worth €21 billion on US goods like steel and aluminum, which was due to expire on July 14, extending the suspension until early August to prioritize negotiations. The new €72 billion package of counter-tariffs would be implemented if the August 1 deadline for a negotiated solution is not met.
The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen echoed the sentiment, calling Trump's threatened 30% tariffs "completely unacceptable" and a "pointless and very shortsighted approach." German investor confidence has also been negatively impacted by the prospect of US tariffs, with the ZEW investor confidence survey for Germany expected to reveal more optimism, though this mood could dissipate if tariffs are imposed next month.
Market Reaction and Broader Trade Landscape
Following the news, major US stock indices showed a mixed reaction after market open on Monday. The S&P 500 was down 6.18 points, or 0.10 percent, at 6,253.57. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell 67.18 points, or 0.15 percent, to 44,304.33. In contrast, the Nasdaq (NDAQ) saw a slight increase, up 0.57 points, or 0.00 percent, at 20,586.10. JPMorgan (JPM) economists estimate that Trump's new tariffs, set to take effect on August 1 for 14 countries, will raise the average US tariff rate from 13.4% to 14.6%. Despite the immediate market dip, JPMorgan (JPM) analysts suggest that markets still anticipate Trump will scale back tariffs before the August 1 deadline.
Amid the ongoing trade disputes, importers are reportedly hoarding cash and shifting inventory off balance sheets, as reported by CNBC. Other nations are also navigating the complex trade environment. Brazil is considering asking the US for special terms on coffee and orange imports, and a 90-day tariff postponement, or even a reduction of tariffs to 30%, according to CNN Brasil. India's Trade Minister stated that India-US trade talks are moving quickly.
Other Economic Developments
In other economic news, the U.S. Effective Federal Funds Rate remained unchanged at 4.33% on July 11, with trading volumes slightly below the previous day.
In the corporate sector, Panasonic (PCRFF, PCRHY) has opened its second U.S. battery plant in Kansas, aiming to boost EV supply chain capacity and meet surging battery demand. However, Nikkei reports that Panasonic (PCRFF, PCRHY) is delaying the production ramp-up at this new facility due to lower demand from its primary customer, Tesla (TSLA). Chinese property developer Vanke (000002.SZ, 2202.HK) is facing significant challenges, experiencing a net loss of up to 12 billion yuan in the first half of the year, compared to a 9.85 billion yuan loss last year.
Finally, Maros Sefcovic also noted some progress on fast-tracking rare earth metals to the EU, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan to address China's restrictions on these crucial materials for many industries. The crypto market is also seeing activity, with Bernstein expecting a "long and exhausting" crypto bull market ahead.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.