The European Commission proposed on Monday to impose retaliatory tariffs of 25% on a range of U.S. goods in response to duties imposed by President Donald Trump on steel and aluminum, according to a document seen by Reuters.
The document states that duties on some goods will come into force on May 16, while on others – on December 1.
The range of products is quite diverse and includes diamonds, eggs, dental floss, sausages and poultry. Countermeasures on almonds and soybeans will come into effect on December 1.
Earlier in the day, EU Trade Committee Chairman Maroš Šefčovič said the retaliatory tariffs would have a smaller impact than the previously announced €26 billion.
Bourbon, wine and dairy products were excluded from the initial list the commission considered in March.
The commission imposed a 50% tariff on bourbon, prompting Trump to threaten a 200% retaliatory tariff on EU spirits if the bloc proceeded.
The threat from Trump is of particular concern in France and Italy, which have developed wine industries.
In addition to these countermeasures, the EU has already tightened existing safeguard measures on steel from 1 April to reduce imports by 15%. The Commission is also considering introducing import quotas on aluminium.
EU member states will have to vote on the proposal on April 9.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
