Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Šulová Kateřina / čtk / Profimedia
The European Union will suspend the two countermeasures at US tariffs for six months, following an agreement with US President Donald Trump, a European Commission spokesman said Monday.
The EU agreement leaves many open questions, including in terms of spirits, and Trump's executive order, which has set rates for most EU goods to 15%, did not include exceptions, such as for cars and car parts.
EU officials have stated that other executive orders will soon follow.
“The EU continues to collaborate with the US to complete a common statement, as agreed on July 27,” the spokesman said in a statement.
“In view of these objectives, the Commission will take the necessary measures to suspend the EU against the US 6 months, which were to enter into force on August 7,” said the representative of the European Commission.
Retarsion rates are divided into two components – one in response to American customs and aluminum customs taxes, and the other to basic American and cars.
By an executive order signed on Thursday night, Donald Trump set American customs duties ranging from 11% to 41%. The largest were applied to Syria, while the EU, Japan or South Korea are targeted by 15%. The measure aims to “restructure the global trade for the benefit of American employees”, according to the document issued by the White House, AFP reports.
The new American rates also concern some of the poorest and most affected by the war countries: Syria, which are facing a tax of 41%; Laos and Myanmar, with 40%rates; Libya, at a rate of 30%; Iraq, with 35%, and Sri Lanka, with 20%, notes The Guardian.
