The US is considering imposing tariffs on about $11bn (£8.4bn) worth of goods from the European Union in response to subsidies that support Airbus.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has found that the subsidies have an adverse impact on the US.
Aircraft and cheese are among the products that could be hit by tariffs, the US Trade Representative (USTR) said.
The move would mark an escalation in trade tensions between the US and the EU.
The USTR said the value of goods that would be targeted with tariffs was subject to arbitration at the WTO, the result of which is expected in a few months.
"This case has been in litigation for 14 years, and the time has come for action. The administration is preparing to respond immediately when the WTO issues its finding on the value of US countermeasures," said US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
"Our ultimate goal is to reach an agreement with the EU to end all WTO-inconsistent subsidies to large civil aircraft. When the EU ends these harmful subsidies, the additional US duties imposed in response can be lifted."
A preliminary list of goods, covering a wide range of items, has been issued for public consultation. For example, the following are being considered for additional tariffs if they come from any of the 28 EU states.
The WTO has ruled that the EU and the four governments involved in Airbus have failed to comply with an earlier ruling that they should withdraw contested subsidies and the US has asked for authorisation to retaliate to the tune of $11bn.
The US wants to act quickly when the WTO arbitrator makes a ruling. So far this action seems to be following the WTO rule book.
More here:
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47862622