EU weighs export restrictions on medical devices to U.S.
The EU is considering restrictions on the export of certain products to the U.S. in response to the tariff policy of American President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported, citing EU sources. Among the key products that EU countries export to the U.S. are medical devices and aircraft parts.
Export restrictions are being considered as one of the options for responding to American tariffs if the ongoing negotiations between Brussels and Washington do not yield results.
Bloomberg's sources did not specify which types of goods might be subject to these restrictions. Typically, such limitations concern goods of strategic importance to the economy of the importing country. China, for example, has used similar measures. Earlier in April, in response to American tariffs, China introduced export controls on seven categories of rare earth elements crucial for the defense industry and new technology sectors.
What does the EU export to the U.S.?
On Wednesday, EU Commission spokesperson Olof Gill reminded that the EU supplies the United States with key products, such as components of medicines, advanced mechanical devices, and aircraft parts.
Brussels and Washington are currently negotiating a resolution to the trade dispute, which was initiated by the Trump administration's decision to impose 20% tariffs on imports from the EU. These were then suspended for 90 days. The minimum rate of 10% introduced for all countries remains in effect, along with the 25% tariffs on the automotive industry and on steel and aluminum.
The EU suspended the previously announced retaliatory tariffs to, as explained by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, "give negotiations a chance."
One of the proposals from the EU Commission in the ongoing negotiations with Washington is the mutual removal of tariffs on industrial goods, including cars. This solution was supported by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a supporter of Trump, who visited the White House on Thursday as the first leader of a European country since the start of the tariff dispute.
Brussels is simultaneously preparing for the possibility that negotiations fail, emphasizing that "all options are on the table." In addition to lifting the suspension of EU tariffs on U.S. products and contemplating export restrictions, there is also discussion of introducing retaliatory measures concerning American technology services and restricting access to tenders for U.S. companies.
