The EU breathed a sigh of relief over the new US tariffs

On Friday, the European Union expressed relief at the new US tariffs imposed by Washington on its trading partners, as it had been bracing for possible retaliatory measures in response to the huge fine imposed by Brussels on the US technology giant “Google”.

“The EU welcomes the fact that this outcome is in line with the US’s commitments on tariffs, as agreed in the joint EU-US statement,” – said European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill.

This statement was issued on Friday as new US tariffs came into force against 60 trading partners, replacing the global tariff introduced earlier this year by President Donald Trump, which is due to expire.

The new tariffs range from 10 to 12.5 per cent and affect major economies such as China, India and the European Union.

An EU representative stated that under the new arrangements, a uniform 10 per cent tariff will be applied to the EU, and additional tariff exemptions will once again be introduced for certain European products, such as cork and diamonds.

Furthermore, exemptions will apply to other goods, such as aircraft and their spare parts, and generic medicines, said Mr Gill.

According to him, this would create “positive momentum” for transatlantic discussions on a range of issues – from strategic raw materials to artificial intelligence.

Washington’s announcement came just a few hours after the EU’s decision to fine “Google” €890 million for anti-competitive practices in the digital sector.

This has heightened European fears of possible retaliatory measures from Washington, such as higher tariffs, as the Trump administration has repeatedly accused the EU of unfairly targeting US companies through its digital services regulations.

The fine imposed on “Google” “creates uncertainty” in trade relations with the US, White House Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned on Thursday, seeing it as a “real threat” to transatlantic stability.