European Union leaders will consider imposing 25 percent tariffs on a range of US imports, including steel, clothes, and food, but not bourbon or other alcoholic drinks, following US President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports from the EU.
When leaders gather in Brussels on April 9, they’ll vote on a tariffs package outlined in a document, seen by RFE/RL, which proposes staggered rounds of tariffs.
This will give time for negotiations to take place. EU officials have stated that their preferred option is a trade deal with Washington that removes trade barriers, rather than adding to them.
The EU proposals include four stages of tariffs.
The first stage, kicking in on April 15, includes a 25 percent surcharge on vegetables, cereals, tobacco, some vehicles, and electronics. There could also be a 10 percent rate on toys and games.
The next stage is set for May 16. It includes tariffs on more kinds of vehicles, iron and steel used in construction, live animals and meat, non-alcoholic drinks and works of art.
Finally, there’s provision for tariffs on nuts and soybeans from December.
“The measures concern imports of products originating in the United States on which the Union is not substantially dependent for its supply,” the document states.
It says this should “avoid as much as possible a negative impact on the various actors on the Union market, including consumers.”
The plans avoid some contentious issues. EU leaders have voiced differing views in recent days about whether, for example, to exclude bourbon and wine. France and Italy, keen to avoid US countermeasures on their wine exports, appear to have won this battle.
Trump had threatened a 200 percent tariff on EU alcoholic drinks if bourbon had been hit.
Also excluded from Brussels’ plans are items the EU relies on, such as aircraft and parts, semiconductors, and fuel.
A decision not to put tariffs on pharmaceuticals matches the US approach. However, Trump has said separate tariffs will be imposed on the sector.
Washington has imposed a series of tariffs on imports from the EU.
First, a 25 percent tariff on steel, aluminum, and cars was announced. From April 9 there will also be 20 percent tariffs on almost everything else.
The EU document states that the US tariffs “are capable of having a considerable negative economic impact on the Union industries concerned.”
