WASHINGTON, Dec 30 (Reuters) – The United States government said on Wednesday it would raise tariffs on certain European Union goods, including aircraft components and wines from France and Germany, the latest twist in a 16-year battle. for subsidies for planes between Washington and Brussels. .

In a statement, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said it would add tariffs on aircraft manufacturing parts and certain still wines, as well as cognacs and other brandies from France and Germany. .

The USTR did not say when the rates would go into effect, but noted that additional details would be forthcoming “soon.”

The US action comes as US and European negotiators continue to talk about ending the longstanding dispute over government aid to Europe’s Airbus SE. (AIR.PA)which has the political backing of Great Britain, France, Germany and Spain, and American aid to the aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. (PROHIBITION).

The USTR said on Wednesday that the EU unfairly calculated the tariffs against the United States allowed by a September World Trade Organization ruling in the ongoing dispute: “The EU must take some action to redress this injustice.”

Representatives for the European Union and Airbus could not immediately be reached for comment on the USTR action.

Ben Aneff, president of the US Wine Trade Alliance, said the move would cause more hardship for American businesses already badly hit by previous tariffs, and urged President-elect Joe Biden to quickly reverse course. .

“This action is a blow to business America. American restaurants and small businesses are already struggling to survive; this decision will only destroy more jobs and close more doors,” said Aneff, managing partner at Tribeca Wine Merchants in the city of New York.

Emily Haber, Germany’s ambassador to the United States, this month urged swift action to resolve the dispute, calling it a distraction from bigger issues that require joint action like climate change and the pandemic.

Reporting by Susan Heavey; Edited by Leslie Adler

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