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Brussels intends to propose tariffs on Boeing aircraft as it prepares further retaliation in the event that trade talks with Washington fail.
The European Commission, which runs EU trade policy, will include civilian aircraft on a list of about €100bn of annual US imports to be targeted, according to two people familiar with the matter.
But the measures would only take effect if the EU does not make sufficient progress in reducing US tariffs, they said. The measures must first be approved by a weighted majority of member states.
US President Donald Trump on April 2 imposed a minimum additional tariff of 20 per cent on almost all exports from the EU as part of his so-called “reciprocal” measures. But he cut this to 10 per cent on April 9 for 90 days to allow time for talks.
US tariffs of 25 per cent on EU steel, aluminium and cars remain in place.
The EU has paused retaliatory tariffs on €21bn of US goods, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, poultry and clothing until July 14 to aid the negotiation process.
The next wave of tariffs, which would include aircraft and possibly chemical products, would probably apply from then too unless a deal was reached, officials said.
The list of proposed targets, which will be sent to member states today or tomorrow, could still change, they cautioned.
The commission and Boeing both declined to comment.
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