European Parliament Approves Trump Tariff Deal With Conditions
9 reported
The European Parliament has given its final approval to implement a tariff agreement with Donald Trump that was originally reached last July. The approval came nearly a year after the deal was agreed at Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland, with MEPs agreeing to the deal under the threat of increased tariffs if not sanctioned by 4 July. The parliament attached two main provisos to the deal: a sunset clause that will make the deal expire on 31 December 2029 unless renewed, and clear conditions for tariff reductions on products containing some steel and aluminum. Under the agreement, the US applies 15% tariffs on most EU exports, while the EU has cut import duties on some US goods, agricultural products, and a wide range of seafood to 0%. The deal is expected to be formally adopted by EU leaders when they meet in Brussels on Thursday. The European Commission will be able to suspend tariff preferences for US goods by 31 December 2026 if the US continues to apply tariffs on steel derivatives, and must conduct an impact assessment by 30 June 2029.
What’s reported
The European Parliament approved the tariff deal with Donald Trump, originally agreed last July at Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland.
Approval came under threat of increased tariffs if not sanctioned by 4 July.
The deal includes a sunset clause expiring on 31 December 2029 unless renewed.
Conditions are set for tariff reductions on products containing some steel and aluminum, imposed under US national security laws.
Under the deal, the US applies 15% tariffs on most EU exports; the EU cuts import duties on some US goods, agricultural products, and seafood to 0%.
The European Commission can suspend tariff preferences for US goods by 31 December 2026 if the US continues steel derivative tariffs.
The commission must report to parliament by 1 December and conduct an impact assessment by 30 June 2029.
MEPs suspended ratification twice this year: first over Trump’s threat of higher tariffs in January, then over his threat to take over Greenland.
The US Supreme Court has ruled the 15% tariff illegal, but the EU agreed to maintain the deal for business stability.
Key figures
Donald Trump, former US president
European Parliament (MEPs)
European Commission
EU leaders
Sources: The Guardian
