The European Union officially lifted tariffs on American products starting Wednesday, fulfilling a commitment made in the trade agreement negotiated with Washington last year, according to reports.
This legislation, which implements the promise, was published on Tuesday in the Official Journal of the European Union and is set to take effect on July 1.
“Promise fulfilled,” stated Olof Gill, the EU’s spokesperson on trade issues, during a press conference, welcoming it as “good news for transatlantic relations.” From Wednesday, tariffs on most industrial and agricultural products imported from the United States will be eliminated.
This marks the primary commitment made by European leaders last summer at Turnberry, Scotland, in exchange for capping the tariffs imposed by the US on European imports at 15%.
“Sunset Clause” at the End of Trump’s Term
Given the lengthy ratification process in the EU, Donald Trump set a deadline of July 4 — the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding — for Europeans to fulfill this promise.
In a compromise negotiated in May with member states, lawmakers secured the inclusion of a “sunset clause,” which states that the trade agreement will automatically expire at the end of 2029, after Trump’s term ends, unless an extension is voted on before that time.
Additionally, the Commission will have the authority to suspend the tariff agreement if Trump fails to eliminate the 50% tariffs he imposed on hundreds of steel and aluminum-containing products by the year’s end.
Brussels has assured that discussions with the American government are ongoing. Olof Gill stated, “Constructive discussions continue at both technical and political levels,” emphasizing that the Commission will keep working with the United States to ensure that all commitments made last August are implemented in good faith.
However, Europeans recently faced another challenge from Trump regarding tariffs. On Friday, the US President threatened to impose 100% tariffs on European countries that introduce taxation on American digital services.
