In this picture taken on Dec 25, 2020 flags of the European Union can be seen fluttering outside the European commission headquarters in Brussels.
(FRANCOIS WALSCHAERTS / AFP)
WASHINGTON – The European Union on Thursday acknowledged a move by the new US government to refrain from imposing additional tariffs on EU goods in a long-running dispute over aircraft tariffs, and said it was ready to work to resolve trade disputes.
The move came a day after the US said it looked forward to working with European allies to resolve a 16-year-long battle over subsidies provided to Europe’s Airbus and its US rival Boeing Co
The US Trade Representative’s office on Thursday said it had agreed with US industry that it was unnecessary to revise existing tariffs on European goods at this time, refraining from changes that would have been possible during a periodic review.
READ MORE: US looks forward to resolving aircraft subsidies row with EU
The move came a day after USTR said it looked forward to working with European allies to resolve a 16-year-long battle over subsidies provided to Europe’s Airbus and its US rival Boeing Co.
Asked about Thursday’s decision, an EU spokesman said, “The EU is ready to engage with the new US administration on the basis of the EU-US agenda for global change we adopted on December 2. Our aim is to find solutions to our ongoing trade disputes, including on Airbus/Boeing.”
The American Italian Food Coalition, which represents more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers and trade groups, said the move would give both sides time to work out a solution.
“The Biden Administration appropriately hit the pause button on another carousel round of tariffs,” it said.
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Officials from the EU and Britain are keen to work out a deal with the administration of President Joe Biden, but talks are on ice until Biden’s pick as top trade negotiator, Katherine Tai, is confirmed in her job by the US Senate. That could take several more weeks, with a confirmation hearing not yet scheduled.
Envoys from Britain and the European Union on Monday stressed their willingness to resolve the aircraft subsidies dispute.
EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis said Brussels had proposed a six-month suspension of tariffs on both sides to allow for negotiations. Britain, which is no longer part of the EU but is part of the Airbus consortium, has said it is also willing to lift tariffs, possibly unilaterally, as a goodwill gesture.
