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Tariffs Imposed over Beef Hormones Need to be Reassessed

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is seeking public comment on modifying the list of European products subject to increased tariffs in connection with World Trade Organization settlement rulings in the EU beef hormones dispute. USTR is particularly interested in comments on the potential effects on U.S. small- or medium-size businesses or on consumers of imposing higher duties on particular products.

"The WTO found over 10 years ago that the EU's ban on U.S. beef was not supported by science and was thus inconsistent with WTO rules.  When the EU failed to bring its measures into compliance with its WTO obligations, the United States imposed tariffs on certain imports from the EU, as authorized by the WTO.  Since that time, we have been trying to resolve this dispute with the EU without changing the composition of tariffs," said USTR Susan Schwab.  "It is now time to revisit those tariffs to see if modifications would be appropriate."

Modifications could involve the products subject to increased duties, the level of increased duties, or the EU member States whose products are subject to the duties. USTR intends to complete the process and announce any modifications to the existing tariffs by the end of this year. To find out how to submit comments, click HERE.