|
|
The European Commission aims to secure exemptions from the 15 percent import duty for numerous European products from the US government. This includes wine, sparkling wine, spirits, beer, cider, and liquors such as whisky, gin, rum, vodka, and liqueurs. This is reported by the news portals Euractiv and Euronews citing documents from the Commission.
Overall, the planned request encompasses EU exports to the USA worth around 150 billion euros. Matthias Jørgensen, trade official of the European Commission, announced in the Trade Committee of the European Parliament that Brussels would conduct the negotiations "with vigor." However, the outcome remains uncertain.
A duty exemption could significantly relieve European wine and spirits producers as well as American importers. The current duty affects selling prices, margins, and purchasing decisions. For companies, it also complicates the calculation of long-term supply contracts. If an exemption is not granted, the higher costs are likely to continue to burden the competitiveness of European beverages in the US market.
France, Italy, and Spain have particularly advocated for more favorable conditions for wine exports in recent months. The EU justifies its demand by stating that it has fulfilled its part of the Turnberry trade agreement concluded in 2025. Since July 1, it has no longer imposed duties on hundreds of industrial and agricultural products from the USA. In return, Washington is expected to apply the regular import duties instead of the flat rate of 15 percent for selected European goods. Before 2025, US duties averaged around 3.3 percent according to Euronews.
In addition to alcoholic beverages, the proposal list includes olive oil, pasta, truffles, and other food products. It also encompasses machinery, chemicals, semiconductor technology, and medical products. The Commission can change or expand the selection during the negotiations.
Washington initially made discussions about product-specific exemptions conditional on the EU fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. Following the removal of European duties, Brussels now sees a better basis for negotiations.
(uka / Image: 123rf)
More on the topic: