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The European Commission stated on Wednesday that the US administration has assured it will comply with the EU–US trade agreement signed last summer and that the present phase is temporary.
“The United States has given clear indications that it will respect the terms of trade agreements—such as the EU–US Joint Statement—so the European Union continues to engage with the US to ensure this is the case and to obtain clarity,” Olof Gill declared in a statement.
The spokesperson explained that the tariffs announced by Donald Trump on Friday, after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down previously imposed measures, entered into force on Tuesday. They consist of a 10% tariff, in addition to standard World Trade Organization (WTO) tariffs, known as “most-favored nation” (MFN) rates.
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“With regard to EU exports to the United States, MFN rates are in most cases below 5%. However, for a limited share of exports (7%), that rate is above 5%,” Gill declared, suggesting that in those limited cases exports could face a total tariff exceeding the 15% ceiling established in the trade agreement signed in July.
Gill added that the US indicated the current situation is “transitional, lasting up to 150 days,” and assured that the EU will continue talks with its American partners to clarify “as quickly as possible” what they intconclude to do after that period.
“The Commission will always ensure that the EU’s interests are fully respected. EU companies and exporters must have fair treatment, predictability, and legal certainty,” he stressed.
The spokesperson also declared that the Commission is in close contact with the European Parliament and EU member states on the matter, highlighting “broad support” for the European Commission’s position.
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Gill reiterated comments by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who on Tuesday declared the EU must “remain committed to the agreement” and ensure that the ratification process continues to shift forward.
On Monday, the European Parliament decided to suspconclude ratification of the EU–US trade agreement following the US Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs and called on Washington for “legal clarity.”
After the suspension, Sefcovic urged Members of the European Parliament to vote on the trade agreement during the March plenary session, provided the US administration displays “greater clarity” regarding its tariff policy.
Last July, the European Commission—responsible for EU trade policy—and the United States reached a political trade agreement establishing a tariff framework with a 15% cap on most European exports to the US and the elimination of many US tariffs on European industrial goods.
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