The European Union (EU) has hit back at President Donald Trump by approving duties of up to 25 per cent on a broad list of U.S. products, as European leaders attempt to bring Washington to the negotiating table.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the EU reiterated its desire to negotiate with the U.S. government rather than engage in a trade war.
“The EU considers the U.S. tariffs unjustified and harmful, not just to both our economies but to the global economy as a whole,” the commission said.
“Our goal remains a fair and balanced outcome through dialogue with the United States,” they added.
Despite the appeal for diplomacy, the EU confirmed that it will begin collecting tariffs on selected American imports starting April 15.
However, the commission noted these countermeasures could be paused if the U.S. agrees to a mutually beneficial deal.
While full details on the tariff list have not been officially released, a draft seen by The Washington Post indicates that products such as soybeans, meat, iron, steel, textiles, tobacco, and ice cream will be targeted.
The EU’s move follows U.S. tariffs introduced last month on steel and aluminium, and it comes amid growing concern in Europe about the Trump administration’s broader trade agenda.
Trump recently unveiled sweeping tariffs on so many countries, China being the worst hit, with tariffs of up to 104 per cent due to retaliatory measures by China.
After extensive internal discussions on Wednesday, EU officials scaled back the original retaliation list, initially valued at $28bn, but still moved forward with targeted duties.
Notably, American bourbon (wine), once considered a key target, was removed from the list following threats from Trump to impose steep tariffs on European wine, which could severely impact France and Italy.
EU Imposes 25% Retaliatory Tariffs On U.S. Goods is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
