The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) informs you that according to information from the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, the European Commission, in the context of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2021/167 on the Enforcement Regulation, is proceeding to the next stages of the process for the approval of possible balancing measures against the United States of America (USA). These measures relate to US unilateral trade practices, which include reciprocal tariffs, Article 232 measures on cars and their components, and the extension of Article 232 measures to the steel and aluminium sector.
In this context, on 8 May 2025 the European Commission published a list of products that includes imports from the US into the EU with a total value of around €72 billion, as well as exports from the EU to the US amounting to €94.4 million, of which €63.8 million. concern iron waste and 30.6 million euros. Aluminium waste. This list by the EU was drawn up on the basis of criteria such as the need to restore the trade balance, the existence of alternative sources of supply and the risk of relocating production outside the EU.
The products included in the list mainly concern vehicles and components, machinery, chemicals, medical devices, electrical equipment, as well as other industrial and agricultural products. The European Commission is proceeding with the final assessment of the comments submitted by the Member States, with a view to formulating the final proposal, which will be examined in the framework of the Trade Barriers Committee.
Based on the above, the affected OEB Members are requested to study the attached product list and send any opinions/comments on the products of the list and the possible impact on the sectors of activity of each company to the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (aachilleos@meci.gov.cy, mphotiadou@meci.gov.cy, stsiaklis@meci.gov.cy and epikoula@meci.gov.cy) by notifying the OEB (nclark@oeb.org.cy).
The contribution of businesses will be decisive in shaping the positions of the Republic of Cyprus in view of the discussions at EU level.
Comments should be sent no later than Friday , July 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
For any clarification or further information, we remain at your disposal.
