European Commission spokesman Daniel Rosario stated Thursday that Washington's move to impose tariffs against EU goods will hurt American consumers.
"This is a move that will first and foremost hit US consumers and companies and will make efforts towards a negotiated settlement more complicated." Daniel Rosario said.
Rosario has recalled that the WTO may authorise in coming months EU duties worth up to $12 billion.
Commenting on the issue, a Scottish government spokesman said that amid Brexit, the last thing they needed was the uncertainty around export tariffs.
"When Scotland’s food and drink businesses are facing the potential impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, the last thing they need is the further uncertainty of increased tariffs on exports to the US," a Scottish government spokesman said.
"The imposition of these tariffs also seriously undermines suggestions by the UK government that a potential free trade deal with the United States could easily or quickly offset the damage done by Brexit," the spokesman added.
The day before, the European Union threatened to retaliate if Washington proceeds with slapping tariffs on $7.5 billion worth EU goods after the WTO ruled on behalf of the US.
The same day, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stated Washington will begin imposing WTO-approved tariffs on European-made Airbus planes, French wine, Scotch and Irish whiskies, and cheese from across the continent on October 18.
The trade dispute between the two major aircraft makers began in 2004 when Washington accused the UK, France, Germany and Spain of providing illegal subsidies and grants to Airbus.
In 2005, the EU fired back, observing that Boeing had received $19.1 of prohibited subsidies from the US government between 1989-2006. The EU complaint is also being investigated by the WTO, with a ruling expected in about eight months.
