The European Commission on Monday proposed counter-tariffs of 25% on a range of US goods in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium.
The tariffs on some goods are said to be taking effect from May 16 and others later in the year, on December 1.
Media Talk Africa reports that the goods are wide-ranging and include diamonds, eggs, dental floss, sausages and poultry, while the counter-tariffs on almonds and soybeans will take effect on December 1.
Recall that EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said earlier on Monday that the counter-tariffs would have less impact than the previously announced 26 billion euros ($28.45 billion).
The Commission had earmarked a 50% tariff on bourbon, which had triggered Trump to threaten a 200% counter-tariff on EU alcoholic drinks if the bloc went ahead.
Trump’s threat worried France and Italy in particular because of their significant wine industries.
In addition to the counter-tariffs, the EU already tightened existing safeguards on steel on April 1 to reduce imports by 15%.
The Commission is also eyeing import quotas for aluminium as its member states are due to vote on this proposal on April 9.
