EU’s response to Trump’s tariffs to go into effect in July – List of products with 25% duty

The European Union hits back at the tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium by the US and the Trump administration. The EU College of Commissioners decided on Wednesday to adopt a a tic-for-tat duties strategy:  a 25% duty on several products imported from the US, including food items like rice and sweetcorn, and consumers’ goods like footwear and t-shirts.

“The application of the rebalancing duties is fully in line with WTO rules, and corresponds to a list of products previously notified to the WTO. The WTO Safeguards Agreement allows for a rebalancing corresponding to the damage caused by the US measures with EU exports worth €6.4 billion (2017) being affected,” the Commission said in a a statement adding

“The EU will therefore exercise its rights immediately on US products valued at up to €2.8 billion of trade. The remaining rebalancing on trade valued at €3.6 billion will take place at a later stage – in three years’ time or after a positive finding in WTO dispute settlement if that should come sooner.”

The news duties are to start applying in July, the statement said.

However, prior to implementation, all EU member states need to approve the legislation, expected to be done end of June.

Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said: “This is a measured and proportionate response to the unilateral and illegal decision taken by the United States to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports. What’s more, the EU’s reaction is fully in line with international trade law. We regret that the United States left us with no other option than to safeguard EU interests.”

The list of products has been allegedly designed to minimize impact on European consumers and producers, while maximizing impact on the US producers.

The list includes: rice, sweetcorn, orange juice, cranberries, cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, Bourbon whiskey, cosmetics, footwear and cotton t-shirts, motorcycles and mopeds, sailing boats and canoes as well as playing cards, as well as several products made of steel and aluminium.

The Full EU LIST of products to be subject of 25% duty.