EU member states have voted in favour of the European Commission’s proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the US. Duties will start being collected from 15 April.
The Commission’s proposal was made in response to the March decision by the US to impose tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from the EU, and comes as the US increases tariffs on goods from China to 125%, while China’s 84% retaliatory tariffs also take effect.
“The EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial,” said its accompanying statement.
The countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the US agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome, it added.
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