EU Seeks US Tariff Exemptions for Wine and Cheese

The European Commission has drawn up an extensive list of hundreds of products that it wants Washington to exempt from the 15% tariff under the bilateral Turnberry Agreement. According to a draft obtained by Euractiv, Brussels argues that the EU has already fulfilled its part of last year's agreement reached in Scotland by eliminating tariffs on hundreds of US industrial and agricultural goods on 1 July. It now expects the US to reciprocate.

The list covers European exports worth €150bn ($176bn). According to the Commission, the products were selected because they either support US reindustrialization and energy goals, bolster the country's agricultural sector, or are considered irreplaceable. Among them are specialty foods and beverages such as Roquefort and Pecorino cheeses, olive oil, sparkling wine, brandy and beer. The industrial goods on the list include agricultural machinery, industrial robots, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and chemicals, as well as medical devices, operating tables and surgical supplies.

Matthias Jørgensen, a European Commission trade spokesperson, confirmed that Brussels would pursue the exemptions vigorously in negotiations with the US. Washington has so far refused to discuss any exemptions until the EU formally implements the Turnberry Agreement.

The Commission has also reserved the right to amend or expand the list depending on how the negotiations progress.

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