The European Union is considering postponing the implementation of initial retaliatory measures against the United States due to President Donald Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs until mid-April, according to European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The proposed plan by the European Commission was to reinstate tariffs on U.S. products worth 4.5 billion euros on April 1, followed by imposing tariffs on an additional 18 billion euros of U.S. goods on April 13.

Sefcovic mentioned during a session at the European Parliament that there is contemplation to synchronize the timing of both sets of EU retaliatory measures to allow for consultation with member states on both lists simultaneously and to extend negotiation time with American counterparts.

The initial EU retaliatory measures involve applying a 50% tariff on U.S. bourbon, prompting Trump to threaten a 200% tariff on all wines and other alcoholic products from the EU if such measures go ahead.

The Trump administration is also preparing further tariffs to be implemented on April 2. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou expressed doubt on Sunday regarding the EU's decision to target American whiskey, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cautioned EU allies on Tuesday about escalating the trade conflict with the United States, suggesting that responding to tariffs with more tariffs might not be beneficial.

The currency conversion rate is $1 to 0.9217 euros.