Duties on European Imports

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is considering making some modifications to the extensive and diverse list of European 2 products, which were subject to duties in October 2019, as part of the trade controversy between the U.S. and the European Union.

The controversy stems from alleged government aid from the European Union and certain states to the aircraft manufacturer Airbus. In a notice published on the Federal Register on June 26, 2020 (the text is available at this link), the USTR invited comments from the public, i.e. individuals or interest groups, on certain revisions to the duties. These changes may involve the increase, up to a level of 100%, of the duties already imposed on goods listed in Annex I to the notice, which includes a varied list of goods and products that include new aircraft, yogurt, cheese, and olives. Currently, these Annex I goods are subject to either 15% or 25% duties. Similar increases may occur for products listed in Annex II.

Such products were previously considered, but are not currently subject to additional duties. Some Annex II goods and products include new helicopters, salmon, limes, and essential oils. Finally, in Annex III, the USTR lists new products from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, which that are now being considered for additional duties.

These Annex III items include coffee, sugar, select liquors, and machinery. Comments addressed to the USTR may discuss: “Whether maintaining or imposing additional duties on specific products of one or more current or former EU member States would cause disproportionate economic harm to U.S. interests, including small or medium-size businesses and consumers.” If you or your business wishes to submit your comments in connection with the existing or proposed duties, you can do so by visiting the following link.