The smoke of the tariff war rises again. The European Union plans to impose export restrictions on key industries in response to the US tariffs.

The EU is drafting a proposal to impose export restrictions on some goods shipped to the US in potential retaliation for the comprehensive trade war launched by US President Trump last month. Sources revealed that the EU will use such restriction measures as a deterrent, only activating them if negotiations with the US fail to produce satisfactory results. Previously, the US imposed new tariffs on EU goods worth approximately 380 billion euros. If the EU retaliates, it could provoke a strong response from Washington, meaning the escalating trade dispute will further intensify. Last month, after the province of Ontario, Canada announced plans to levy additional charges on electricity exported to the US, Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian metal. Sources stated that export restrictions are one of several options the EU is considering, with other possible measures including drafting more tariff lists and limiting access to public procurement for American businesses. A spokesperson for the European Commission declined to comment. Sources refused to disclose the specific restriction measures being considered by the EU, including applicable industries and products. Such measures can typically be implemented in various ways, including quotas, permit systems, or even direct bans on specific exports. These restrictions are usually targeted at goods that are crucial to the target country and difficult to replace. Earlier this month, China placed seven rare earth metals used in smartphones and the pharmaceutical industry on its list of controlled exports, metals that the US lacks processing capabilities for. So far, negotiations between the EU and the US have made little progress in resolving conflicts. Before meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday, Trump expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with the EU. Some sources have mentioned that European officials hope the Italian Prime Minister can convince Trump to provide clearer negotiation authorization to US trade officials. The EU agreed last week to delay the implementation of retaliatory measures against US steel and aluminum exports for 90 days. Previously, the Trump administration reduced most of the so-called "equal" tariffs on EU goods shipped to the US from 20% to 10%, also for a 90-day period. Trump also imposed a 25% tariff on cars and certain components, while his government is moving forward with plans to impose tariffs on imported semiconductors and drugs. Trump claims his global tariff offensive is aimed at bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US and providing funding for tax cut extensions by increasing fiscal revenue. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamison Greer in Washington on Monday. Reports earlier suggested that Sefcovic still struggled to understand the full extent of the US position after the meeting, and was confused about the US negotiation goals. The EU is already preparing contingencies in case an agreement cannot be reached after the 90-day negotiation period, with the possibility of further retaliatory measures. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted at another option targeting the digital advertising revenue of US tech companies. Some sources indicate that any escalation measures beyond the current tariff levels may require political decisions in EU member state capitals before specific plans can be formulated.