The European Union Plans to Impose Tariffs on Meat and Grains from the USA

The European Union is preparing to soon impose tariffs on imports of American goods worth up to $28 billion in response to new tariffs introduced by the USA. This was reported by Reuters.

This is reported by AgroReview

The article notes that on April 7, the European Commission will present a list of American goods that will be subject to taxation, with voting among member states taking place on April 9. The possible list will include meat, grains, wine, wood, clothing, as well as household items—from vacuum cleaners to chewing gum and dental floss. Taxation on bourbon will also be proposed.

Political Discussions and Concerns of Agricultural Companies

A general European political meeting dedicated to the introduction of tariffs in response to restrictions from the USA will soon take place. Ministers responsible for trade from the 27 EU countries will exchange views on the impact and optimal ways to respond.

At the same time, the associations Copa and Cogeca expressed concern about the potential introduction of restrictions, which could lead to an escalation of trade tensions between key partners. This, in turn, could threaten the stability of a sector that relies on open and predictable markets.

The president of Copa, Massimiliano Giansanti, emphasized that European farmers are already facing numerous challenges, including rising production costs and the impact of climate change. “These new tariffs will further increase uncertainty and financial pressure on our sector, affecting both producers and consumers. Ensuring our food security must be a compass for Europe in these challenging times,” he said.

The Need for Diplomacy

The president of Cogeca, Lennart Nilsson, noted that the proposed trade measures will not benefit farmers in either the EU or the USA. Instead, they may limit the opportunities for agricultural producers, raise prices, and weaken the resilience of the agricultural business.

Copa and Cogeca urge EU and US politicians to exhaust all diplomatic avenues to avoid escalating the conflict. They emphasize the importance of constructively working towards solutions without jeopardizing existing trade advantages, so that farmers and agricultural cooperatives can continue to contribute to food security and economic stability on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.