Brussels, July 4, 2025 - The European Union and the United States are in critical trade negotiations to avoid escalating tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump is considering reimposing tariffs on imports from a number of countries, including EU member states, if an agreement isn't reached by July 9. These tariffs could be up to 50% on certain goods, while a 10% base rate currently applies to some categories.
The EU seeks tariff reductions as part of a preliminary agreement, especially in sensitive sectors such as automobiles and steel.
European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is pressing for significant cuts, targeting current 10% reciprocal tariffs and higher sectoral levies, emphasizing the need to protect European exports and stabilize bilateral trade.
In the event of a failure in negotiations after July 9, the EU is preparing retaliatory measures. According to information from Brussels, these could be implemented as early as mid-July and affect a wide range of American imports, including industrial and agricultural goods.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial for the EU and the US to reach an understanding to maintain global market stability and avoid further economic shocks.