European Union trade ministers are set for a high-stakes meeting in Brussels with top United States officials, where they will demand expanded exemptions from American tariffs on key products, including wines and spirits.
High-Level Talks on Tariff Exemptions
The discussions will occur on Monday, with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer joining the EU's trade ministers for talks. This meeting follows a deal struck in July between US President Donald Trump and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, which established a 15-percent levy on most EU exports to the US.
Despite this agreement, the European Union has been actively seeking various exemptions for more economic sectors. The deal itself still awaits formal approval by the EU parliament before it can be fully implemented, leaving room for further negotiation.
Outstanding Issues and a United Front
Diplomats revealed that EU states were finalizing a list of sectors they want shielded from the US levies. This list is expected to include wines and spirits, and potentially pasta, which has already been a point of contention. Italy recently made an appeal to Washington and Brussels, attempting to dissuade the United States from imposing provisional anti-dumping duties of over 91 percent on pasta, scheduled for January 2026. This would be in addition to the standard 15 percent tariff.
An EU diplomat told AFP that the bloc is aiming to present a united front during the talks, ensuring that individual ministers do not appear to be arguing solely for their own national exemptions.
Broader Trade Tensions and Digital Rules
Relations between the transatlantic allies remain strained on several fronts. The United States is pressuring Brussels to scrap its digital and green regulations, which Washington views as non-tariff barriers to trade. The EU has firmly insisted that its digital laws are not open for discussion.
These digital rules have been a particular source of friction. President Donald Trump has criticized the bloc's actions against US Big Tech firms, notably a 2.95-billion-euro fine imposed on Google in September. He has threatened further tariffs if the measure is not repealed.
In a separate but related issue, Brussels is also pushing Washington to reduce its 50-percent tariffs on steel. The EU has proposed creating a broader metals alliance with the United States to protect their economies from Chinese overcapacity.
Adding to the day's agenda, the EU's tech chief, Henna Virkkunen, is also expected to meet with the American officials, underscoring the centrality of digital policy in the ongoing trade discussions.
