As previously communicated, the European Commission is considering a new list of U.S. imports that could be targeted by EU countermeasures in response to the latest round of U.S. tariffs. Unfortunately, a wide range of sporting goods equipment - including skis, tennis rackets, golf clubs, ice skates, and others - are included in the draft list.

Please find attached:

• FESI’s draft response to the Commission’s public consultation
• A more detailed position statement we recommend submitting to support our sector’s interests

FESI’s position remains unchanged:

• We call for the complete removal of all sporting goods equipment from the draft list of potential EU countermeasures, on the grounds that:

• Sporting goods account for a very small share of overall EU–U.S. trade
• Our industry is predominantly composed of SMEs, which are highly vulnerable to disruption
• The EU enjoys a significant trade surplus in these products - targeting them may provoke U.S. retaliation, putting that surplus at risk

• We urge the Commission to pursue a strategic and proportionate response that avoids collateral damage to our sector.
• We reaffirm our commitment to rules-based international trade and strongly support a negotiated resolution that reinforces transatlantic cooperation.

Please review the attached documents and share any comments or feedback by Wednesday, 4 June (COB).

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Update on U.S. Court Decision Regarding IEEPA Tariffs:

Earlier this week, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled against certain IEEPA-based tariffs. Please find below a short summary of what this means:

• The ruling concerns Canada, Mexico, and China tariffs, as well as the 10% "Liberation Day" tariffs
• It does not affect “product-based” tariffs such as those on steel and aluminium
• The U.S. government has appealed the decision - it may ultimately reach the Supreme Court
• Tariffs remain in effect during the appeals process
• If the ruling is upheld, importers may be entitled to refunds for tariffs paid under the "Liberation Day" measures
• However, the U.S. administration may pursue alternative legal mechanisms to reintroduce tariffs, albeit with more limitations

Given the evolving situation and the uncertain legal outlook, we strongly recommend continuing to engage in the EU’s consultation process.

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