In the trade war waged by the US presidency against the rest of the world, the announced countermeasures of the European Union have arrived. The Commission has in fact passed the regulation that should restore balance, after tariffs introduced by the United States on steel and aluminum. The list of products that will be affected by European tariffs is long and is worth almost 3 billion euros in total. It also includes some symbols of American exports, such as Levi's jeans, Harley Davidson motorcycles or peanut butter. In the long list notified to the WTO, the Commission announced its intention to hit various types of orange and blueberry juice, rice and packaged corn with a 25% duty. Bourbon, whiskey, cigars, cigarettes and other tobacco products also appear. In the clothing sector, in addition to jeans, cotton T-shirts are affected. EU duties will apply to motorcycles over 500 cm3 in displacement, boats and yachts, boat engines, canoes and playing cards (the only product with an additional duty limited to 10%). Finally, the list includes various products related to aluminum and steel. "We did not want to find ourselves in this position, but the unilateral and unjustified decision of the US to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum on the EU means that we have no other choice," commented EU Trade Commissioner Ceciclia Malmstroem, who added, " International trade, which we have developed over the years together with our American partners, cannot be violated without a reaction from us. Our response is measured, proportionate and in line with the rules of the WTO. It goes without saying that if the US removes its duties, our measures will also be removed ".. The announced measures will come into force the 22 June, namely next Friday.
