2026-01-23 14:28
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2026-01-23 14:28
After the US withdraws customs threats, the European Union may return to implementing the agreement concluded with this country, European Commission spokesman Olof Gill said on Friday. The EC will soon propose extending the suspension of retaliatory tariffs on American goods worth over EUR 92 billion, he announced.
These are the tariffs prepared in response to the announcement by US President Donald Trump of the so-called reciprocal duties on April 2, 2025, which was called “liberation day” by the leader. Ultimately, American goods were not subject to retaliatory tariffs by the EU because in July 2025, EC President Ursula von der Leyen concluded a customs agreement with Trump. The European Union then decided to suspend the decision to increase customs duties on American goods for six months. The value of their annual import to Europe is estimated at over EUR 92 billion; among them there are: agricultural products such as poultry, fruit, nuts and soy, as well as motorcycles and yachts.
The EU has returned to this list in recent days in connection with Trump's announcement to hit tariffs on several European countries that sent military delegations to Greenland. This was a handy option since the tariff suspension on American goods expires on February 7.
“This week has shown that the EU is fully ready to act when needed,” Gill told a press briefing. – We achieved our goal through diplomatic and political means. We will always prefer this solution, rather than falling into a spiral of measures and countermeasures, he said.
– With the threat of tariffs from the US removed, we can return to the important task of implementing the EU-US agreement, he added.
The EC spokesman announced that the Commission would soon present a proposal to extend the suspension, most likely for another six months. The decision will be made by the Member States.
– The funds will remain suspended, but if we need them in the future, they can be withdrawn (the decision to suspend – PAP) – noted Gill.
Trump threatened to impose tariffs on eight European countries, including six EU members, when they decided to send a small number of NATO troops to Greenland, a Danish dependency that the American president wanted to occupy. On Wednesday, Trump backtracked on his threats.
From Brussels Magdalena Cedro (PAP)
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