The European Commission (EC) could saddle imported US nuclear engineering equipment with protective duties of up to 100%. The reason is a WTO ruling allowing the EC to retaliate against the USA’s use of foreign trade corporations to give its exporters illegal tax breaks.

The EC included nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts on its long-list of possible target products. It will now consult EU industry about its plans before setting a final list.