Beverage Importers Call USTR Additions Reckless
The National Association of Beverage Importers accused the U.S. trade representative of throwing gasoline on the fire of the Airbus-Boeing dispute on his way out the door (see 2012310010). “The rationale of the timing selected by the EU Commission for the timing of the trade volume determination is a technical argument at best and one that does not merit the potential risk of the EU simply retaliating,” NABI President Robert Tobiassen said in an emailed news release Dec. 31.
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The group noted that the 25% tariffs are now expanded to cover brandy, Armagnac and cognac having a value of more than $38 per proof gallon; Tokay, marsala and all other still grape wines, whether bottled or bulk; and effervescent wine. Before the change, wines of more than 14% alcohol by volume and bulk imports were not subject to the additional tariffs. Calvados, pisco and singani are not on the retaliation list, however.
Tobiassen said USTR Robert Lighthizer's decision was “reckless,” and scoffed at his assertion that he showed restraint “in order to not escalate the situation.”