EU imposes sanctions on US goods

The European Union today confirmed it had started imposing millions of pounds in sanctions on US goods because of Washington’s failure to end export tax breaks.

“We have been left with no other choice than imposing those measures,” said EU Commission spokeswoman Arancha Gonzalez in Brussels.

Although the World Trade Organisation has authorised €3bn in sanctions - the biggest amount ever – the EU is taking a graduated approach, hoping to pressure the US Congress to change the legislation while limiting the impact on European companies and consumers.

Gonzalez said the 15-nation EU was hoping the Congress would change the law quickly.

“The day this legislation is passed, the EU will immediately lift its countermeasures,” she said.