President Donald Trump plans to impose additional taxes on $7.5 billion worth of goods imported from Europe.
These tariffs, set to start taking effect Oct. 18, are unlike those previously imposed on Chinese goods in that the World Trade Organization authorized them in response to a dispute over subsidies to aircraft manufacturers.
However, a lot more than planes are caught up in the dispute. These tariffs could also affect manufacturers of certain types of food, clothing and home goods.
Worse, experts and industry groups suggest some of the cost may be passed directly on to consumers because producers and exporters have little time to prepare for the tariffs, ABC News reports.
So, if you enjoy any foods, for example, that are imported from nations in the European Union, your trips to restaurants and the grocery store could become more expensive.
Following is a look at products that may soon increase in price.
1. Wine
French, German, Spanish, and United Kingdom wines with no more than 14% alcohol are set to face a fresh tariff of 25%.
Remember, one of the best ways to save some money on wine, with or without tariffs, is to buy it at a warehouse club. We cite alcohol as one of the “10 Best Buys at Warehouse Clubs.” At some chains, like Sam’s Club, you don’t even have to be a member to buy alcohol there.
2. Whisky
A 25% tariff would also apply to single-malt Irish and Scotch whisky.
The Scotch Whisky Association called this tariff “a blow” to the Scotch whisky industry, pointing out the U.S. is its largest and most valuable market, with more than 1 billion British pounds (about $1.3 billion) in exports last year.
More than 137 million bottles were imported to the U.S. in 2018 — at a rate of more than four bottles per second.
“For the last 25 years, trade in spirits between Europe and the U.S. has been tariff-free,” the association said.
3. Liqueurs and cordials
Sorry, Bailey’s fans: These types of sweet drinks from Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the U.K. also are set to suffer tariffs.
Combined with the taxes on whisky and wine, these tariffs could impact nearly $2.5 billion in imports and cost about 8,000 U.S. jobs — from farmers to bartenders — according to the Distilled Spirits Council.
4. Juice and jelly
Alcoholic content aside, many European juices also face tariffs. These specifically include cherry, prune, pear and “any single vegetable, other than tomato,” according to a U.S. Trade Representative list.
Also on the list are fruit jellies, specifically those made with currants and berries.
5. German coffee
It’s not clear why Germany’s morning brew was singled out, but importers should be aware that it may face a new 25% tariff. Both caffeinated and decaf roasted coffee are affected as well as unflavored instant coffee.
6. Cheese
A range of cheese from many EU countries are set to be hit with 25% tariffs. They include certain cheddar, Swiss, Romano, Colby, Parmesan, Pecorino and provolone cheeses.
Phil Marfuggi, president of the Cheese Importers Association of America, told Reuters his own importing firm could end up paying up to an extra $70,000 each for a dozen containers of cheese he ordered prior to the tariffs but that will arrive in the U.S. after tariffs start taking effect on Oct. 18.
7. Yogurt
While European cheese is capturing the headlines, it’s not the only dairy that’s subject to new tariffs. Yogurt from many EU countries also would be taxed at 25%.
Here’s a solution: Make your own yogurt. We’ve got a recipe in “10 Food Staples That Are Easy and Cheap to Make Yourself.”
8. Butter
There’s bad news for lovers of Kerrygold butter, too. Butter from many EU countries, including Irish favorite Kerrygold from the U.K., would be hit with a 25% tariff.
9. Olive oil and olives
Olive oil from Germany, Spain and the U.K. would be subject to 25% tariffs. The same goes for green olives themselves — including pitted, non-pitted and stuffed varieties — from France, Germany, Spain and the U.K.
The U.S. produces only 5% of the olive oil it consumes, according to the Specialty Food Association.
10. Fruit
Imports of many EU fruits, fresh and dried, would be tariffed at 25%. This list specifically includes peaches, pears, oranges, mandarins, clementines, lemons and cherries.
11. Pork
A wide variety of pork-based EU products would be subject to a 25% tariff. This includes sausages and several forms of prepared or preserved pork.
For help saving money in the meat department, check out “7 Ways to Slice the Price of Red Meat, Pork and Poultry.”
12. Certain seafood
A limited selection of EU seafood, which includes mussels and clams, would be subject to a 25% tariff. Cockles and ark clams — two types of mollusks — are also specifically mentioned.
13. Cookies, wafers and waffles
German and U.K. “sweet biscuits” — which Americans generally call “cookies” — are on the list of products to be tariffed at 25%. So are wafers and waffles from Germany and the U.K.
14. Sweaters
Knitted or crocheted sweaters, pullovers and similar garments from the U.K. would face a 25% tariff. This applies to articles made of wool, cashmere, cotton and man-made materials.
To help brace your clothing budget, be sure you aren’t making any of the missteps in “9 Dumb Clothes Shopping Mistakes That Are Costing You Money.”
15. Women’s pajamas and swimwear
The list of tariffs set to start Oct. 18 singles out these two types of clothing for women as well as girls that are made in the U.K.
16. Men’s suits
Men’s or boys’ suits made of wool, fine animal hair and synthetic fiber also are among the types of clothing that would be taxed at 25%. This applies to these products made in the U.K.
17. Blankets
Blankets and bed linens made in the U.K. would be subject to a 25% tariff as well.
18. Books
Books printed in Germany or the U.K. are set to be subject to a 25% tariff. This category also includes brochures and leaflets.
19. Photographs
Photographs and lithographs from Germany or the U.K. also face tariffs.
If you’re looking for something vintage, though, you’re in luck: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s list is strangely specific in saying only designs “printed not over 20 years at time of importation” would be taxed.
20. Camera lenses
A long list of machinery and parts imported from Germany are set to be taxed at 25%. These include lenses and lens parts and accessories for cameras and projectors.
21. Tools
The list of tariffs on German-specific products also includes handheld tools such as axes, bolt cutters and pipe cutters. Smaller tools — including tweezers, pliers and screwdrivers — are also mentioned.
Certain motorized tools from both Germany and the U.K. are also mentioned.
22. Microwaves
Industrial microwave ovens made in Germany also would be subject to a 25% tariff.
23. Large machinery
A range of German machinery used for soldering and welding are being hit with the tariffs. Germany and the U.K. would also see tariffs on other agricultural and construction equipment, including backhoes and shovels.
24. Aircraft
Finally, the products that led to all these tariffs will be taxed, too — but at a lower rate of 10%. This covers aircraft from France, Germany, Spain or the U.K.
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