The 27-national bloc had planned to introduce first rounds of tariffs on items such as American whiskey from the beginning of April.
The European Union delayed the initial anti-counter of the US over Washington’s metal collection until mid-April, giving it time to rethink which American goods they target and give them extra time to negotiate.
The administrative divisions of the 27 European Commission’s bloc have proposed re-equipment of 2018 tariffs on 4.5 billion euros ($4.9 billion) of US products starting from the beginning of next month, then slamming another 18 billion euros ($19.5 billion) of US products on April 13th.
The committee later confirmed that all bloc retaliation measures will come into effect in mid-April.
The first set of measures included applying a 50% tariff on American whiskey, which has led President Donald Trump to threaten 200% tariffs on all wines and other alcoholic products coming from the EU.
The US is also planning “mutual” tariffs on April 2nd to readjust the global trading system.
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Sefcovic has suggested limited progress in previous meetings with his counterparts in Washington, including his proposal to discuss lowering the import obligations of industrial products.
“I don’t think the US’s thinking is in that direction,” he said.
“And now they believe that the best way to do this is through customs policy. We hope to arrive at this debate someday, but now we are clearly not there.”
Delays in measures will also allow adjustments to US products covered by the EU.
Regarding the steel and aluminum tariffs already imposed by the US, Sefcovic said, “The EU is clearly not the cause of the problem with steel and aluminum. The real problem is overpower.”
Leaders of several member states have warned against entering the transatlantic tariff line.
“It’s not certain that dealing with tariffs with more tariffs is necessarily a significant deal,” said Meloni, the only leader of the EU member states attending Trump’s inauguration.
“That is why I believe that it should be spent seeking wise solutions between the US and Europe being guided by logic rather than instinct, in a spirit of mutual respect and economic pragmatism.”
She also said that the tariffs on Tit-for-Tat could reduce the purchasing power of Europeans.
“Taxes can easily lead to inflation, reduce family purchasing power, encourage central banks to raise interest rates, and ultimately boost economic growth,” Meloni said.
France and Italy are the largest exporters of wine to the United States.
Ireland Prime Minister Michael Martin said on March 20 that it would be wise for Europe to give time to assess the US package of measures since April 2.
“Obviously, there is a need for a comprehensive response to the tariffs announced on April 2nd, and I think the EU will take a strategic approach as the EU will allow them to spend a little time after April 2nd before it responds,” he told the country’s parliament.
Ireland is a major exporter of whiskey.
Reuters contributed to this report.
