The European Commission has proposed retaliatory tariffs of 25% on a number of American goods as a countermeasure to the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump on steel and aluminum, Reuters reported, citing a document seen by the agency, BTA reported.
The tariffs on some goods will come into effect on May 16, and for others – on December 1, the document says.
The goods are diverse and include diamonds, eggs, sausages, poultry meat and others. The counter-tariffs on almonds and soybeans will come into effect on December 1.
European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said earlier today that the counter-tariffs would have a smaller impact than the previously announced 26 billion euros ($28.45 billion).
Bourbon, wine and dairy products were removed from the initial list that the Commission was examining in March.
The Commission had envisaged a 50% tariff on bourbon, which prompted Trump to threaten to impose 200% retaliatory tariffs on EU spirits. The threat particularly alarmed France and Italy, which have large wine industries.
In addition to these counter-tariffs, the EU has already tightened existing safeguard measures on steel on April 1 to reduce imports by 15%. The Commission is also considering import quotas for aluminium.
EU member states are due to vote on this proposal on 9 April.