WASHINGTON — The European Union is preparing a target list of American products it will hit with punitive tariffs if the Trump administration goes through with its threat to impose tariffs on European auto imports, the bloc’s trade chief said Wednesday.
European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom reported no breakthroughs on resolving the auto dispute or the battle over tariffs the United States has already imposed on steel and aluminum imports.
Her comments came after a meeting in Washington on Wednesday with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
Malmstrom said both sides are proceeding with an understanding reached in July between President Donald Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that neither side will impose new tariffs while talks are underway.
But she said the EU is developing a target list of American products should it be needed.
