European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas has dismissed the forced labour justification behind new US tariffs on the European Union, telling the ASEAN foreign ministers' summit that the rationale does not apply to a bloc with paid holidays and robust labour standards.
The new levies of up to twelve-and-a-half per cent took effect on Friday, covering sixty trading partners including the EU, but Brussels says European exports will face charges at the same level or lower than those set under a trade agreement reached with the White House a year ago.
The Commission also says exemptions for certain European products agreed under that deal will continue to apply.
From Brussels, Will Denselow reports.
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OUT: “...new tariffs regime.”
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