"EU Spokesperson: Retaliatory Tariffs on US May Take Effect February 7"

Tariff Package Targeting US Delayed for Six Months
Suspension Expires on February 6 Without Extension
Trump Holds Phone Call with NATO Secretary General

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on January 19 (local time) that Olof Gill, spokesperson for the European Commission, stated the European Union (EU) could implement a long-delayed tariff package on US goods worth 93 billion euros (approximately 160 trillion won) as early as February 7.

A miniature model of US President Donald Trump made with a 3D printer and the European Union (EU) flag with the word "Tariffs" written on it. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

EU member states approved this tariff package in July of last year, but postponed its enforcement for six months to allow more time to conclude trade negotiations with the United States. After negotiations were finalized, the EU suspended enforcement of the tariff package starting August 7, 2025.

Spokesperson Gill explained that the European Commission has the option to extend the suspension, but if it does not, the suspension will automatically expire on February 6 of next month.

US President Donald Trump previously announced that he would impose a 10% tariff starting March 1 and a 25% tariff starting June 1 on eight European countries that oppose the US annexation of Greenland.

The EU is currently deliberating on countermeasures. On January 18, during an emergency meeting in Brussels, Belgium, the EU discussed invoking the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), a measure introduced in 2023 but never before used. Known as the "trade bazooka," the ACI allows the EU to restrict trade in areas such as services, foreign direct investment, financial markets, public procurement, and intellectual property against third countries that forcibly threaten the EU or its member states.

Meanwhile, President Trump announced on January 20 that he had a phone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the Greenland issue. He wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, "We had a very good phone call," adding, "As I have made very clear to everyone, Greenland is essential to national security and global security." He also emphasized, "Everyone agrees that there is no turning back on this issue," making it clear that he would not back down on the Greenland matter.