Europe Strikes Back With Proposed 25% Tariffs On US Goods
The European Commission has unveiled a proposal to impose 25% counter-tariffs on a variety of US products in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to apply steep duties on steel and aluminum imports.
Documents seen by Reuters reveal that the levies, affecting items such as diamonds, eggs, dental floss, sausages, and poultry, could take effect as early as May 16, with additional measures planned for December 1.
The EU’s move, outlined on Monday, is designed to match the severity of Trump’s increases, which many in Brussels view as unjustified. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic commented that the new proposal will have a smaller economic effect than the 26 billion euros previously floated.
Indeed, bourbon, wine, and dairy were dropped from the original list, reflecting concerns about a retaliatory 200% tariff threatened by the White House. This concession was particularly important to major wine producers in France and Italy, which feared significant economic damage.
Meanwhile, the EU has already tightened existing safeguards on steel by cutting imports by 15% and is currently discussing import quotas for aluminum.
EU member states are set to vote on the proposal on April 9.
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