The $4 billion (€3.38 billion) worth of tariffs on US products has come into effect in retaliation for the US imposing similar tariffs on EU goods in relation to the ongoing Boeing-Airbus feud.
Valdis Dombrovskis
It was recently reported that the EU was looking to delay the introduction of the tariffs until after the 2020 presidential election, in which former vice president Joe Biden claimed victory.
The new taxes are due to come into effect today and prove that no end to the dispute is in sight.
Last month, the US offered a resolution to the conflict if Airbus offered to pay back the grants given to European government.
Just the day before, the EU was given the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) blessing to hit the US with these tariffs in absence of any mutual settlements.
A statement made by the EU said: "The European Commission stands ready to work with the US to settle this dispute and also to agree on long-term disciplines on aircraft subsidies."
EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis added the EU wanted both sides to remove their tariffs and put an end to the long-running dispute between the two Aerospace titans.
He said: "Removing these tariffs is a win-win for both sides, especially with the pandemic wreaking havoc on our economies.
"We now have an opportunity to reboot our transatlantic co-operation and work together towards our shared goals."
US trade representative for the outgoing Trump administration Robert Lighthizer issued a statement saying the US were "disappointed by the move."
He said: "The alleged subsidy to Boeing was repealed seven months ago. The EU has long proclaimed its commitment to following WTO rules, but today's announcement shows they do so only when convenient to them."
Under these new levies, aircraft imported into the EU from the US will be taxed at 15% whereas other items, particularly foodstuffs, such as cheese, ketchup and sweet potatoes will be taxed at 25%.
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