The European Union is increasing its scrutiny of imports from the United States in 2025, responding to rising trade tensions and aiming to protect European producers. This move follows concerns over trade practices and mirrors increased scrutiny of European goods by American authorities.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has been actively involved in discussions with both the US and China to address trade imbalances. In March 2025, Šefčovič met with Chinese representatives to improve EU-China trade relations. The EU is also considering countermeasures, including tariffs on specific goods, in response to US tariffs on EU steel and aluminum.
Effective April 1, 2025, the EU has significantly increased scrutiny of import declarations under the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), with a focus on detailed and accurate goods descriptions to avoid delays and potential penalties. The EU has paused countermeasures against US tariffs until July 14, 2025, to allow for negotiations. A potential agreement could see the EU purchasing an additional $56 billion in U.S. goods annually, particularly in semiconductors, LNG, and agricultural products.