EU approves counter-tariffs on US goods, says trade deal within reach

The European Commission said on Thursday a negotiated trade solution with the United States is within reach - while EU members voted to approve counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) of U.S. goods in case the talks collapse.

The 27-nation bloc's executive has repeatedly said its primary focus is on reaching a deal to avert 30% U.S. tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will apply on August 1.

"Our focus is on finding a negotiated outcome with the U.S. ... We believe such an outcome is within reach," an EU spokesperson said in response to reporters' questions.

Alongside negotiations, the Commission has pressed on with plans for potential countermeasures, merging two packages of proposed tariffs of 21 billion euros and 72 billion euros into a single list and submitting this to EU members for approval.