Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From today the European Union has imposed tariffs on US goods, in retaliation to Donald Trump imposing tariffs on EU steel and aluminium importers.
The tariffs are almost all 25 per cent – meaning anyone who wants to import these products from the US to the EU will have to pay a 25 per cent tax.
That will probably make the American versions of these goods more expensive for consumers, though not necessarily straight away (if old stock is already held), and not necessarily by 25 per cent (companies could absorb some of the cost to remain competitive).
The list of goods is long and technical, but the main items are:
Orange juice
Florida orange juice is about to get a lot more expensive – fortunately plenty of places in Europe grow oranges, so alternatives will be available.
Cranberry juice
Fans of the Cosmopolitan cocktails, which contain cranberry juice, may have to pay more.
Peanut butter
A classic American food, if you want an American brand for your PB&J it’s going to be more expensive.
Bourbon whiskey
The classic Kentucky tipple; other non-bourbon whiskey from the US are also affected. Brands like Jack Daniels and Jim Beam could be directly affected.
Cigars, cigarettes, and tobacco
Most American cigarette brands sold in Europe are manufactured locally, so are unlikely to be directly affected – though imported brands will be. But some tobacco is also covered, so raw materials could also be affected.
Mascara and other eye makeup
Any Made in USA make-up will likely get 25% more expensive. American brands like Maybelline and Revlon do make some of their make-up in the USA, but not necessarily when they sell to Europe.
Jeans
An American classic, high-end jeans made in the USA will get expensive. Most jeans sold in Europe will be made in Asia, however, including a few famous American brans.
Steel
Tit-for-tat; following Trump’s tariffs on European steel, a long list of US-steel products will be affected in response.
Motorcycles
If you’ve always dreamed of buying an easy-riding Made in the USA motorbike, it’s going to be more expensive than you thought. Many American badged bikes aren’t entirely made there though – the motor industry uses components from all over and whether a particular model is affected is complicated.
Motorboats and yachts
The ultimate big ticket item, American-made boats – including motorboats and yachts – are going to get a lot more expensive. Unlikely to affect most people, but bad news for CEOs.
Playing cards
The last item on the list, and perhaps a strange one. Unlike most other products, which are hit at 25 per cent, the EU has decided to put a 10 per cent tariff on American playing cards. This is the EU playing its hand.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments