OJ, bourbon, jeans among American goods hit with EU tariffs

June 8 (UPI) — Peanut butter, denim, orange juice, bourbon, motorcycles and cigarettes are a few of the items on a European Union list of American goods now labeled with hefty import taxes.

The taxes go into effect July 1, according to an announcement from the European Commission.

“This is a measured and proportionate response to the unilateral and illegal decision taken by the United States to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports,” said Cecilia Malmström, trade commissioner. “What’s more, the EU’s reaction is fully in line with international trade law. We regret that the United States left us with no other option than to safeguard EU interests.”

The tariffs are in reaction to the Trump administration’s move last week imposing import taxes on steel and aluminum from the European Union, which also included tariffs on U.S. allies Canada and Mexico.

Earlier this week, Mexico announced retaliation with fiscal penalties on U.S. exports like pork, steel, cheese and whiskey.

In addition to other moves against American-made products, Mexican officials set tariffs on U.S. pork shoulder and legs at 10 percent, and they will rise to 20 percent by July 5. Experts say that duty could usher in $100 million losses every year for U.S. pork farmers. Those tariffs went into effect Tuesday.

Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliation against Trump’s tariffs by imposing $12.8 billion of U.S. imports in what Canada says its strongest trade action since the World War II. The tariffs, which also take effect July 1, will last until the U.S. ends its trade action.