WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States slapped tariffs on a record US$7.5-billion (S$10.2 billion) worth of European goods Friday (Oct 18), with Airbus, French wine and Scottish whiskies among the high-profile targets.

The tariffs, which took effect at 0001 in Washington, were imposed despite pleas from European officials for a last-minute reprieve and French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire warning of retaliation.