The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU has offered the United States a complete exemption from industrial goods duties.
In Brussels, the EC chief acknowledged that the full exemption from industrial customs duties exported from the EU to the US was, among another things, the subject of trade talks held in Washington by the EU Trade Commissioner Marosz Chief.
Von der Leyen said that a akin offer had already been proposed to the American administration, during discussions on the imposition of 25-proc. customs duties on EU cars, but "did not meet an adequate US response".
Offer ‘still on the table’
However, the EC president acknowledged that the offer "is inactive on the table".
But we are besides prepared to respond by means of countermeasures (such as retaliation duties – PAP) and to defend our interests. Moreover, we will besides defend ourselves from the indirect effects of customs duties
“She said.
Von der Leyen besides announced the establishment of a peculiar task force on import surveillance, which will work with industry, among others, to minimise the effects of US duties.
nt/PAP
