EU slaps revenge tariffs on US: Bourbon, blue jeans and steel on the list

The European Union imported some €415 million (S$654 million) worth from the US in 2017, along with another €150 million worth of whiskey without the "bourbon" designation. PHOTO: REUTERS

Updated

Published

Jun 22, 2018, 02:28 PM

BRUSSELS (AFP) - From blue jeans to motorbikes and whiskey, the EU's hit list of products to target for tariffs in the event of a trade war with the US reads like a catalogue of emblematic American exports.

The European Union drew up the list in March but is only activating it on Friday (June 22) after United States President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on steel imports and 10 per cent on aluminium.

This list was already sent by the EU to the World Trade Organisation on May 18, in anticipation of Washington's decision to go through with the tariffs.

The list does not specifically name brands but European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker spelled out in March that the bloc was "preparing import duties for US products including Harley-Davidson, Bourbon and Levi's jeans".

Here are some highlights from the EU's list:

Steel

Dozens of steel products are targeted, including bars and rods, rolled steel, stainless steel, wire, tubes, chain, pipes and scaffolding, as well as kitchen appliances, ovens, ladders and washbasins.

Clothing and fabrics

Clothing includes "trousers and breeches of cotton denim" - better known as jeans - along with bed linen and men's leather footwear. Swimwear and underwear are excluded.

Cosmetics

Eye make-up and lipstick are listed as together they accounted for more than €280 million (S$441 million) worth of EU imports from the US in 2017.

Transport

Motorbikes and mopeds "with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines" of 500 cc capacity and above includes most Harley-Davidson models. Boats, yachts, canoes and rowing boats are also on the list.

Food and drink

Maize, rice, cranberries, cranberry juice, orange juice, sweetcorn and peanut butter are among the food products targeted.

The list also covers bourbon whiskey - the EU imported some €415 million worth from the US in 2017, along with another €150 million worth of whiskey without the "bourbon" designation.