Offensive comes right after 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports in the USA
JOSÉ HENRIQUE MARIANTE
Berlin, Germany (Folhapress)-Part of the offensive announced by the European Commission on Tuesday (12) against the 25% US Steel and Aluminum fare, a list of American products that can be retaliated by the block impresses by the extension, 99 pages, and scope: goes from food products to various types of wood and unusual clothing items such as “grass female ”.
The document will be in the consultation phase of block countries and companies until March 25. After that, they will integrate a second phase of retaliation with US imports, which can reach a 26 billion euro figure or R $ 164.9 billion. The first phase is designed with products that were already retaliated in 2018 in 2020, during Donald Trump’s first term, for which there is already legal forecast: 8 billion euros in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Bourbon type whiskey and jeans.
“The contracted we take today are strong but proportional. Since the US is applying rates worth $ 28 billion, we are responding to 26 billion euros countereds, ”European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen said in a statement issued this morning hours after US measures come into force.
The preference is not only by iconic US products, but also those produced in Republican commands, Trump’s political base. “We love soy, but we are happy to buy it from Brazil, Argentina or anywhere else,” a European Union spokesman said, when using the grain cultivated in Louisiana, the state of the mayor, Mike Johnson.
“Tariffs are imposed. They are bad for companies and even worse for consumers. They are interrupting the supply chains and bring uncertainties to the economy. Jobs are at stake. The prices will rise. In Europe and the United States, ”summarized von der Leyen, hitherto very cautious on the subject.
The realization of the American rates, which also reach Brazilian steel and aluminum, made the block more incisive in the tone of the speeches. António Costa, president of the European Council, and German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, expressed strong concern with the commercial dispute, which affects markets on almost the entire planet and already depresses banks and investment funds.
The European Union offensive will also have internal disputes. France, Spain and Italy were the first countries to ask for changes in the list of American products subject to retaliation. According to a beverage company, the three countries are already advocating the exclusion of wines and spirits, probably concerned about the effect of tariff war on their acquaintances, with great weight on exports.
The product list elaborated by Brussels is detailed and wide. It begins with living chicks, various types of foods at different stages of processing, milk and derivatives, eggs, nuts, fruits, grains, cafes, feed, tobacco, electronic cigarettes and cosmetics; It also includes plastics of various types, woods, cleaning products, tapestry and clothing; The garment is exhaustive and contemplates ski clothing to more than one type of lingerie.
Benjamin Haddad, the French chancellor, said the list is just the beginning and that “the European Union can go beyond.” In an interview with TF1 broadcaster, he stated that the measures “are proportional”. “If we came to a situation where we had to go beyond, digital services or intellectual property could be included,” he said.
The Digital Front has been speculated since Trump’s inauguration in January, when the bich techs surprised in public acts of adherence to the Trumpist ideas. Mark Zuckerberg of the goal even said he would work “with President Trump to pressure governments from around the world who are attacking American companies.”
The Facebook co-creator aimed at the recent European legislation, still under installation. The Digital Services Law (DSA) should allow Europeans to combat illegal content and misinformation on the Internet, while the Digital Market Law (DMA) pursues monopolies. In theory, the main platforms risk receiving a fine of up to 6% of their worldwide revenues in the first case and 10% in the second. They can also be forced to reduce their activities on European soil.
Part of analysts repute populism transformed into a discourse of freedom of expression of figures such as Elon Musk and US Vice President JDVance to the potential damage that American companies can suffer if European legislation is carried out.
