June 25, 2026, 10:39June 25, 2026, 10:39
The trade agreement between the EU and the USA can soon be fully implemented. In Luxembourg, EU countries gave the final green light to eliminate tariffs on US industrial goods and grant better market access to US seafood and agricultural products. However, a safety net should ensure that the benefits only apply if the USA fully implements its obligations under the agreement. The European Parliament and the states agreed on this after a long struggle.
The approval of all EU countries fell a good week before the 250th anniversary of the USA’s Independence Day on July 4th. A few weeks ago, US President Donald Trump mentioned the day as a deadline for implementing the trade agreement. The rules will next be published in the EU’s Official Journal and will come into force the day after.
Trump brought the deadline into play.Image: keystone
EU sets conditions
Among other things, it is planned that the EU tariff concessions can be suspended again if the USA violates agreements. This could include further tariff increases. In addition, the USA should reduce tariffs on washing machines and other products containing steel to a maximum of 15 percent by the end of the year. If this does not happen, the EU also wants to consider such tariffs.
In addition, a fixed expiry date is planned, December 31, 2029. The EU Commission must comprehensively assess the consequences of the changes by June 30, 2029. She can then also suggest extending the customs concessions.
Important trading partner
The EU Commission wanted to use the agreement last summer to avert a trade war after threats from the US side. The EU and the United States have extensive bilateral trade and investment relations. According to EU figures, it accounts for almost 30 percent of global trade in goods and services and 43 percent of global economic output. In 2024, trade in goods and services between the EU and the USA amounted to around 1.7 trillion euros. (sda/awp/dpa)