The European Union has approved the first measures to respond to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. With the approved measures, the bloc targets 20 billion euros worth of American products including soybeans, motorcycles and beauty products.
The tariffs of up to 25 percent are retaliation for US tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed last month - while Europe's measures to the latest tariffs, which Trump announced on April 2, have not yet been taken.
"These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, if the US accepts a fair and balanced agreement," the European Commission said in a statement issued after the measures were approved by EU member states.
The new tariff will come into effect on April 15, the EC said.
"The EU considers the US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both parties, as well as to the global economy," the EC added.
Brussels stressed that it wants an agreement that "would be balanced and mutually beneficial."
Trump has also imposed a 25 percent tariff on auto imports from the EU, and has targeted the bloc with reciprocal tariffs of 20 percent that took effect today.
An EU spokesman said the response to the new US tariffs would be made public next week.
Approved by 26 EU states – Hungary did not vote against – the list of targeted products is mainly geared towards states led by Trump's Republicans.
The products included are chicken products, trowels, fruits and nuts, wood, motorcycles, plastics, textiles, paintings and electrical equipment.
Bourbon, which was on a previous list, has been removed from the EU after pressure from major wine exporters from France and Italy, who have expressed fears that Trump will make good on his threat to impose a 200 percent tariff on European spirits.
The measures adopted on Wednesday by the EU are divided into two parts.
First, the EU will allow a series of tariffs dating from Trump's first term - but which were suspended - to be reinstated, and they will begin to be implemented from next Tuesday.
The second step includes the new list of products that will be targeted with tariffs, most of which will come into effect next month, while some will be implemented in December./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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