European Union trade officials have decided to delay retaliatory tariffs against American products, including whiskey, originally slated to begin at the end of March, to mid-April. This decision facilitates further discussions with the U.S. amidst ongoing trade disputes initiated by the Trump administration.
Europe Postpones Tariffs on U.S. Whiskey Amid Negotiation Efforts
Europe Postpones Tariffs on U.S. Whiskey Amid Negotiation Efforts
The European Commission aims to refine its list of tariffs while negotiating with U.S. officials over trade tensions.
European Union (E.U.) officials have announced a delay in implementing tariffs on U.S. goods, including a hefty 50 percent levy on American whiskey. Initially set to activate on March 31, the European Commission has opted to postpone these countermeasures until mid-April, seeking to refine the list of affected products while leaving room for negotiations with the United States.
Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the Commission, confirmed on Thursday that this postponement aims to provide “additional time for discussions with the U.S. administration.” The E.U. has been actively consulting its 27 member nations to finalize a comprehensive 99-page tariff list that includes products ranging from lingerie to machinery parts, with total tariffs projected to impact around 26 billion euros ($28 billion).
As tensions rise, Washington has responded firmly; U.S. officials have stated that genuine negotiations regarding tariffs will only commence after additional tariffs set to be imposed by the Trump administration are announced on April 2. President Trump has hinted at a potential 200 percent tariff on European champagne, wine, and other spirits in retaliation, leading to pushback from some E.U. leaders.
In reaction to the controversial tariffs, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cautioned against escalating trade measures that could spiral into a “vicious circle,” while French Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed concern that the E.U. might end up “hitting the wrong targets.” Maros Sefcovic, the E.U. trade commissioner, stressed the importance of striking a balance that accounts for the interests of European producers, exporters, and consumers while remaining willing to discuss potential resolutions with the U.S.
