The EU Target Boeing and Bourbon for possible customs duties on American products

The European Commission targets 72 billion euros (84.1 billion dollars) of American products – from Boeing aircraft to Bourbon. Consequently, including cars – for possible customs duties if trade negotiations with Washington fail.

President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 30 % rate on imports from the EU from August 1. However, a level that European officials consider unacceptable and which would end normal trade between two of the largest world markets.

The list. Therefore, addressed to the EU member states and consulted by Reuters on Tuesday, precedes Trump’s decision this weekend to accentuate the pressure on the 27 block and rather responds to American customs duties on cars, automotive parts and a 10 %basic rate.

The package also covers chemicals. Nevertheless, medical devices, electrical and precision materials as well as agricultural and food products – a variety of fruits and vegetables, eu target boeing bourbon possible as well as wine, beer and spirits – for a value of 6.35 billion euros.

After a meeting of the EU ministers on Monday in Brussels on Monday. In addition, officials said they were still looking for an agreement to avoid the blow of Trump’s customs duties.

But the European Commerce Commissioner. Maros Sefcovic, said that the participants in the meeting had displayed an unprecedented determination to protect European companies thanks to countermeasures if negotiations with Washington did not succeed in an agreement.

“The message was the strongest I have heard since the start of discussions with the United States. We will therefore negotiate in priority, but we are preparing at the same time, “he said at a press conference.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs. Jean-Noël Barrot, said Trump’s new threat had “the appearance of a blackmail” on Tuesday, adding that priority was to reach a trade agreement, but eu target boeing bourbon possible not at the cost of becoming “a vassal from the United States”.

Trump warned Brussels against any response. saying that the United States would respond to any new European tax by simply adding it to the rate of 30 %.

The European Commission. which oversees the EU trade policy, has not yet specified the rate of customs duties for the products appearing on its list.

Member States will have to approve the package before its implementation, and no voting date is currently fixed.

The Commission usually consults EU governments and proceeds to countermeasures, unless 15 countries oppose it.

The European alcoholic drinks sector. very dependent on the American market, puts pressure on governments to exclude bourbon or any wine and spirits from the EU list, for fear of Washington reprisals. France, Spain and Italy have expressed their concern about the potential impact on their savings.

Alcoholic drinks had been removed eu target boeing bourbon possible from the first package of customs duties approved in April. This package, targeting 21 billion euros in American products, had been immediately suspended to make way for negotiations. Its suspension is now extended until August 6.

European actions have grown slightly on Tuesday. carried by automotive values, after Trump said on Monday being open to discussions with the EU and other business partners.

The commission initially offered a second package for public consultation in May. providing for countermeasures on approximately 95 billion euros in American products. This amount has since been reduced, although most of the main items have remained.

(1$ = 0,8558 euro)