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The powerful agricultural trade unions of France, Ireland and Europe are pushing Brussels to remove many food products and drink from its proposed revenge against US tariffs.
The European Commission has received floods from business opposition and member states on its list of measures, underlining how the 27 -member block can fight to collectively respond to US pressure.
Jack Chambers, the Minister of Ireland’s Public Expenditure, warned against “retaliation and tatt-up measures that may exacerbate a trade dispute” on Friday while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told FT EU should negotiate her high duties for some articles.
“There are big differences in single data,” she said. “This is what we have to work to find a good, joint solution.”
Its Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida also called for talks, saying: “We are afraid of any further burden that will create more difficult conditions (for summer exports). But we are not terrified.”
France, Italy and Ireland were sprinkled after the commission announced a 50 percent tariff at Bourbon whiskey in response to US 25 percent in steel and aluminum. Donald Trump threatened to hit 200 percent fees in European drinks, including wine, champagne and whiskey.
In response, Paris demanded that Brussels delay the measures from April 1 to mid -April to create space for talks. However, EU officials say efforts to negotiate have made little progress.
Instead of costing overtaking, this week Trump went further with 25 percent car fees. He also confirmed that April 2 would be “ERITION Liberation Day” with comprehensive taxes on all goods, at the top of the existing tariffs. The EU’s main negotiator told colleagues that he expects to have to pay at least 20 percent.
The tariff package at the US 26BN Imports will be put in Member States for approval to enter into force on April 12.
With its proposals, the Commission published a 99 -page list of possible goals – from Soyabeans to beauty and domestic products – with companies and government able to oppose until March 26 before the final list is produced.
Peter Burke, the Irish Minister of Trade, told Parliament this week that “the government has made our concerns clearly known to the EU, including in relation to dairy and spirit sectors.”
He said the EU was “open to adjusting its riblanous measures well so that they could hit the proper balance of products, taking into account the interests of EU manufacturers, exporters and customers.”
The soul industry has also called for Bourbon to be excluded, while the EU wood industry wants the wood to remove the list for fear of revenge, said a figure of the industry. Exports about three times more than imports.
Pieces, which represents farmers, is pressuring to remove soybeans, which are vital to feed animals. “The Agrifood sector must be kept out of the purpose of revenge or any dispute that does not disturb it,” a spokesman said.
“Many EU countries have a deficiency in the production of raw materials for animal nutrition and therefore any imposition of additional tariffs on key products such as: corn, soabeans and distillers dried with solubles would seriously prevent livestock production and create market disruptions and increase prices for consumers.”
Diplomats say the Commission has a significant impact on such commercial proposals, as it would need a weighted majority of member states to block its plan in a vote.
“It is not surprising that governments are doing so – they are standing for their interests,” said a European diplomat.
“But I’m sure there will be a strong package from the commission to be approved. If we block this, then we are drunk – and member states know that.”
