The battle of the skies continues between Use e Ue. The US government has confirmed the duties of 15% on aircraft produced by the French Airbus and those of 25% on other European products. Thus far, therefore, Brussels' attempts to resolve the dispute over the aviation sector, which has been dragging on for 16 years, have proved futile.
The latest episode of the dispute was staged last October 2, when a ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) established that Europe has unlawfully helped Airbus in the commercial struggle against the US Boeing. The US duties are therefore a way to counterbalance the public aid granted by the EU to the Dutch company. Meanwhile, however, Europe has in turn accused the United States of illegally helping Boeing and on this case the World Trade Organization should express itself in September.
Robert Lighthizer, head of US trade, explained Wednesday that the tariffs were confirmed because Brussels did not adopt the necessary measures to comply with the WTO decisions.
In any case, the list of European products affected by the duties (which is true for everything 7,5 billion dollars) will undergo some changes: some Greek and British products will be replaced by goods of equal value from Germany and France.
In addition, EU officials had asked for tariffs to be lowered food, wine and spirits, but they were ignored by US lawmakers, who however did not follow up on threats to raise tariffs on vodka, gin and beer. Made in Italy wine, oil and pasta are also saved.
"The European Commission takes note of the US decision not to exacerbate the ongoing aircraft dispute by raising tariffs on European products," an EU executive spokesman said, adding that the coronavirus pandemic has severely affected the aviation sector, increasing the urgency to find a solution.
And so, the negotiations between the two sides of the Atlantic go ahead.
