The European Union has postponed until mid-April the introduction of 50% tariffs on American whiskey, which were originally supposed to come into effect on April 1, in order to further discuss the restrictive measures with the US, the EU announced. Bloomberg, citing a letter from a representative of the European Commission (EC).
“The EU remains ready for a constructive dialogue with the US to find a solution that does not cause unnecessary damage to both economies“, the document, an excerpt from which the agency cites, says.
On March 13, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington could impose a 200% tariff on supplies of alcoholic beverages from EU countries, including wine, if the community does not lift tariffs on American whiskey. The EU announced the introduction of similar trade restrictions in retaliation for US tariffs on aluminum and steel from Europe.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen, in turn, said that the adoption of retaliatory measures would take place in two stages, “starting on April 1 and [they] will enter into full force on April 13“. The additional duties on alcoholic beverages were opposed by the countries of the community that export the most alcohol to the United States - Ireland, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and France.