US Threatens EU with 17% Tariffs on Agricultural Imports

The US has threatened the EU with 17% tariffs on its agricultural products. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources.

The American side made this move ahead of the July 9 deadline for reaching a trade agreement between the US and the EU. The publication notes that the warning was conveyed to European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Valdis Dombrovskis during a meeting in Washington on July 3, and the following day it was already relayed to the ambassadors of EU member states.

Initially, US President Donald Trump stated that, due to the complexity of the trade negotiations with the EU, he intended to impose a 50% tariff on imports from the bloc starting June 1. However, on May 26, Trump announced that he had agreed to postpone the implementation of the 50% tariffs on imports from EU countries until July 9.

At the same time, he reminded that European companies would not be required to pay any tariffs if they produce their goods in the US. According to the White House occupant, one of the main objectives of the establishment of the EU was to gain an advantage over the United States in trade.