Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union wants to block imports of certain foodstuffs made to different standards aimed at protecting its farmers, reflecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal trade policy, the Financial Times reported.
The newspaper said, the European Commission will agree next week to dig tougher import limits, noting three officials it did not mention.
The report further said early measures could include U.S. crops such as soybeans grown using pesticides that European Union farmers are not permitted to use.
What is Trump’s reciprocal trade policy on tariffs?
Donald Trump has not directly imposed restrictions on food imports. However, his government has levied tariffs on different products. It includes some food items from nations such as Canada and Mexico. Trump placed a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico, including agricultural items.
This measure was among broader trade actions to address issues such as border security and illegal drug smuggling.
How is the European Commission responding to U.S. tariffs?
In the meantime, the European Commission said it would respond “firmly and immediately” against tariff growths resulting from U.S. President Donald Trump‘s offered “reciprocal” trade policy, which it tagged unjustified and a degree in the incorrect direction.
Trump has assigned his economics team to devise strategies for tariffs on every nation that sets tariffs on U.S. imports or subjects U.S. companies to value-added or digital services taxes.
“The EU maintains some of the lowest tariffs in the world and sees no justification for increased U.S. tariffs on its exports,” said a statement from the Commission.
The European Union executive stated that over 70% of imports enter the EU tariff-free.
The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies,
the Commission declared in a statement.
