US holds off on extra tariffs in Airbus dispute
PHOTO: AFP
Washington said on Wednesday it would hold off on its threat to impose higher tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of EU goods in its long-running dispute over subsidies to European aircraft maker Airbus.
Last year, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) authorised the US to impose tariffs of up to 100% on $7.5 billion in European goods.
Washington then slapped 25% taxes on a number of EU products. A 10% tariff on Airbus planes was increased to 15% in March.
The European Union last month said it had brought itself into compliance with WTO rulings and called for the tariffs to be lifted.
Washington said on Wednesday the bloc had not done enough but signalled it was willing to seek a solution.
“The EU and member states have not taken the actions necessary to come into compliance with WTO decisions,” US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement.
“The United States, however, is committed to obtaining a long-term resolution to this dispute.
“Accordingly, the United States will begin a new process with the EU in an effort to reach an agreement that will remedy the conduct that harmed the US aviation industry and workers and will ensure a level playing field for US companies.”
In June, it had threatened to levy tariffs on another $3.1 billion in EU goods as it has been authorised to do under a WTO ruling.
Washington made minor modifications to its list of goods on Wednesday but left the amount of products subject to tariffs at $7.5 billion, and rates were unchanged at 15% for aircraft and 25% for other products.
The European Commission gave a cautious welcome to “the US decision not to exacerbate the ongoing aircraft dispute” and said Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan would continue to work with Lighthizer to find a solution.
“The current economic slowdown, specifically the impact on air travel and aircraft sectors, provides a particular urgency to resolving this dispute,” it tweeted.
But Airbus said it “profoundly regrets” the US decision to maintain tariffs on its planes “despite Europe’s recent actions to achieve full compliance”.
“Airbus trusts that Europe will respond appropriately to defend its interests and the interests of all the European companies and sectors, including Airbus, targeted by these tariffs.”
The epic legal battle between Airbus and Boeing at the WTO began in 2004 when Washington accused Britain, France, Germany and Spain of providing illegal subsidies and grants to support the production of a range of Airbus products.
Airbus said in late July it had reached agreement with the French and Spanish governments that raised interest rates on funds provided to help develop its long-haul A350 jet to levels the WTO considers appropriate.
The European Commission had said this removed any grounds for the US to maintain tariffs imposed on EU exports under WTO rulings as well as making a strong case for a rapid settlement of the dispute.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2020.
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