The European Commission (ed. Commission) has launched a public consultation on a list of US import which could be the subject of EU duties if EU -US negotiations do not end up in mutual benefit and abolition of US duties.
The list set in consultation concerns Imports by US worth € 95 billioncovering a wide range of industrial and agricultural products. The Commission also conducts consultations on potential restrictions on some EU exports steel fragments and chemicals to the US worth 4.4 billion euros. This consultation aims to address both US universal duties and duties in cars and car spare parts.
See her List of United States Import Products which could be the subject of potential commercial policy measures.
Since the US has imposed their unjustified and harmful duties, the EU has prioritized a mutually beneficial and balanced solution through negotiations, including in the 90 -day part -time suspension of duties announced by the US.
These negotiations continue on both political and technical level. The EU continues to prepare potential countermeasures for defending its consumer and industry, along with negotiations and if they do not lead to a satisfactory result. Although public consultation is an indispensable step in this process, it does not automatically lead to the adoption of countermeasures.
At the same time The EU will also dispute with the US WTO against Catholic so -called “mutual” duties and duties in cars and car spare partsby submitting a formal request for consultations. The EU considers it strongly that these duties violate gross fundamental rules of WTO.
The aim of the EU is, therefore, to reaffirm that internationally agreed rules are important and cannot be unilaterally ignored by any WTO member, including the US.
Finally, the Commission continues to closely monitor the possible diversion of world exports to the EU market, which can be caused by US duties on third countries. In addition, the Commission will continue negotiations with other commercial partners to find new export outlets and to differentiate our sources of supply.
Commission President Ursula von der Layen said: “We will also continue our current work to reduce obstacles and strengthen the EU single market. Duties already have a negative impact on global economies. The EU remains fully committed to finding negotiating results with the US. We believe that there are good agreements for the benefit of consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. At the same time, we continue to prepare for all the possible and the consultation that started today will help us to guide this necessary project. “
Subsequent steps
The Commission will act under the EU Regulation on the enforcement of the law, considering that US measures are assurance measures. As a first step in this process, all those affected by the potential balancing measures currently examined by the EU are called upon to submit their views within four weeks, including the impact of US duties. Consequently, Consultation will remain open until June 10.
Based on the information gathered, the Commission will finalize its proposal to establish countermeasures and request the opinion of the Member States in the context of the so -called Committee procedure. Once this process is completed, the Commission intends to have the legal act to enforce countermeasures if negotiations with the US do not lead to a satisfactory result.
At the same time, as soon as the EU officially submits its request for consultations with the WTO, the two parties will have up to two months to find a mutually acceptable solution. If the consultations fail, the EU will be able to request the setting up of a committee, which will evaluate the substance of the case.