EU proposes 25% retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods

People shop at a supermarket in Berlin, Germany. (Photo: THX/TTXVN)

The European Commission (EC) has just proposed imposing a 25% retaliatory tax on a series of imported goods from the US .

The move is seen as a direct response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on EU steel and aluminum.

The new tariffs will be implemented in two phases. Some items will be taxed from May 16, while others will be taxed from December 1.

The list of taxable items is extensive and includes: diamonds, eggs, dental floss, sausages, poultry, almonds and soybeans.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the retaliatory measures would have a smaller economic impact than the 26 billion euros ($28.45 billion) initially proposed because the EU had listened to member states and adjusted the list of goods subject to tariffs accordingly.

Notably, items such as bourbon, wine and dairy products were excluded from the retaliatory tariff list.

This shows that the EU is trying to minimize the risk of escalating trade tensions , especially after President Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on EU alcoholic beverages if the bloc taxed bourbon.

The removal of these items also shows that the EU is trying to avoid harming important industries in some member states, such as France and Italy, which are famous for their wine production.

In addition to retaliatory tariffs, the EU has also imposed other protective measures on the steel industry. Since April 1, the EU has reduced steel imports by 15% and is considering imposing import quotas on aluminum.

EU member states are expected to vote on the proposed retaliatory tariffs on April 9. The outcome of the vote will determine the EU’s next steps in its trade war with the US.

The EU’s move shows that the bloc is increasingly determined to protect its interests against US trade policies. However, escalating trade tensions between the two sides could have unpredictable consequences for the global economy.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/eu-de-xuat-thue-tra-dua-25-doi-voi-mot-loat-hang-hoa-my-post870816.html