The EU has started a consultation on counter tariffs to the US, which include textiles, following the US' 25% duty on steel and aluminium imports, however the European fashion industry warns a trade war could create "uncertainty and instability in the market".

On 12 March the European Commission explained it is planning a series of countermeasures, which includes textiles, to protect European businesses, workers and consumers from the impact of US imposed tariffs.

The EU has started its stakeholder consultation by publishing a list of targeted products proposed by the commission on its DG TRADE website. 

It notes the proposed target products include a mixture of industrial and agricultural products with textiles sitting alongside leather goods, home appliances, house tools, plastic, wood products, steel and aluminium. 

The consultation is expected to conclude on 26 March. This will be followed by the Commission finalising its draft implementation act and consulting with Member States.

The commission points out EU Member States will be invited to endorse the proposed measures before they are adopted, and if approved the adoption process will conclude in mid-April with the countermeasures entering into force.

Europe fashion and textile industry fears negative impact of EU-US trade war 

Speaking to Just Style recently, Euratex senior policy officer Kathrin Jaenecke explains Euratex members are keen not to open a trade war.

She adds that the recent tariff announcements on EU goods from the US creates “a complicated situation for us” given the US is a significant partner.

Plus, she says moves like this create “great uncertainty and instability in the market”.

She hopes “that we can find a compromise and that it does not come to this great trade war, because the US is a key partner for us,” adding: “Let’s hope there is a realisation that the US is more dependent on the EU than it thinks”.

Jaenecke points out US consumers have an appetite for luxury goods coming from the EU so this might help Trump to rethink the decision.

But, she admits: “It is a worry… and we are monitoring the situation carefully.”

Christian Schneidermeier, the director of the European Outdoor Group (EOG), which represents the outdoor sector across Europe tells Just Style his association is also monitoring the situation very closely. 

He explains: “The prospect of a prolonged transatlantic trade war is unwelcome, but the current uncertainty and associated disruption are our most immediate concerns.”

He asserts that in these circumstances, “it’s vital to work with partners in the wider sporting goods industry and contribute constructively to the consultation”. 

In that context, he adds: “We are in close contact with our colleagues at the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry [which is the pre-competitive platform representing the interests of the sporting goods industry in Europe], and together will submit a response that reflects the best interests of the European outdoor sector.”

Meanwhile, he says the EOG team is always on hand to “engage with the association’s members and provide whatever information, advice and practical support that we can on this and other issues”. 

Earlier this month, Robert P Antoshak, VP of Global Strategic Sourcing at Grey Matter Concepts told Just Style the US fashion sector will be the biggest loser from Trump’s tariffs.