“The EC has taken the necessary legislative steps today to suspend the implementation of EU remedies that were to apply from August 7 ” The spokesman for the commission, Olof Gill. He added that this decision should be published on Tuesday in the EU Official Journal. Then, within two weeks, it is approved by Member States by an ordinary majority.
Customs suspension is an element of a broader agreement concluded on July 27 in Scotland, under which the United States is to cover most of the goods exported with the EU with a uniform 15 % customs rate. Trump signed the relevant regulation on July 31. According to the interpretation of the European Commission, the new customs rate is to enter into force on August 8, although the US administration indicates the date of August 7.
However, Brussels' concern is the fact that the regulation did not cover cars produced in the European Union. Currently, 25 % American duties are in force, increased by 2.5 percent. as part of the rates of the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to EU sources, “cars are covered by a different legal basis than the rest of the goods covered by the so -called mutual duties.”
Brussels is still waiting for cars to take a uniform, 15 % rate, as agreed by the summit.
“We think that we have a very clear situation, which was appointed by the chairwoman von der Leyen regarding a uniform customs rate of 15 percent.” – a high -ranking EU official, cited by PAP.
“If for some reason the US administration will not stick to it, of course, we will have the means to react to it,” he added.
While waiting for the Americans, the EU still did not announce a joint statement ending negotiations. “Most are ready on our side, but we are waiting for the USA, they now have a lot to be agreed,” the source from Brussels emphasized for the Polish Press Agency.
As part of the contract, the issue of abolition of duties in trade between the EU and the USA is to be resolved, including for planes and parts for them. The Union has undertaken to introduce zero rates at some of the goods imported from the USA, while American exports from the EU are to be covered by either zero stake or WTO – because the total abolition of customs duties would require the consent of the Congress in the US.
