MEP Nina Carberry has called on EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to look "again" at the list of counter tariffs to be imposed on the US to avoid "backlash".

The European Commission plans to impose extra duties on up to €26 billion ($28.4 billion) on US imports, matching the economic scope of the US tariffs. The tariffs imposed by the US corresponds to approximately 5% of total EU goods exports to the US.

The EU tariffs have been delayed and will come into force by mid-April, following consultation of member states and stakeholders.

In the meantime, the EU remains ready to work with the US administration to find a negotiated solution, and the measures can be reversed at any time should such a solution be found.

The first set of counter-measures from the EU includes applying a 50% tariff on US bourbon.

Speaking to the commissioner at the EU committee meeting on international trade, Carberry said that Irish whiskey exports to the US are worth €450 million annually, and that a 50% tariff, "never mind one at 200%" would be "devastating".

"During my recent visit to the Drumshanbo Distillery in Co. Leitrim, I witnessed first-hand the potential consequences.

"As a major employer of rural Ireland, with over 35% of its exports going to the US, half of the jobs there are at risk," Carberry said.

"Given this, I want to directly ask you, as you had mentioned previously that the first list will be coming out of a 'freezer' and is out of date by five years," the MEP added.

"I want to hone in on Bourbon specifically. Given the limited advantages of targeting Bourbon directly, compared to the backlash it would cause if entered into force, I would greatly welcome your openness to looking again at this list," Carberry said.