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US Slams EU Over Tariffs on High Tech

Washington appeals to WTO to end levies on $70B worth of goods

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted May 28, 2008 6:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – The US butted heads with the European Union today over import tariffs on more than $70 billion worth of computer screens and other technology products, Reuters reports. "The EU should be working with the United States to promote new technologies, not finding protectionist gimmicks to apply new duties to these products," said a trade representative.

The EU "strongly rejected" the complaints, charging instead that Washington has refused to negotiate changes in the World Trade Organization's Information Technology Agreement, which removed tariffs from high-tech goods in 1997. The EU charges up to 14% on new electronics it deems are no longer covered by the pact.

European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero.
European Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso speaks in front of the European flag at the 97th German Katholikentag on Friday, May 23, 2008.
EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso speaks in front of the European flag at the 97th German Katholikentag on Friday, May 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot and others.
European Commission Vice President Jacques Barrot and others.   (Getty Images)
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