European Parliament Approves Partial Tariff Removal for US Goods

The European Parliament on Tuesday, June 16, in Strasbourg gave overwhelming approval to the full implementation of a disputed customs agreement with the United States. MEPs voted to eliminate tariffs on all industrial goods imported from the US and to provide broader access to the European market for American seafood and agricultural products.

The adopted document includes a provision allowing the European Union to suspend trade concessions if the United States violates the terms. Such a violation could include, for example, Washington re-raising customs duties.

The EU expects the US to reduce import duties on European washing machines and other steel-containing products to no more than 15% by the end of this year. If this does not happen, the EU intends to consider imposing similar tariffs. At the same time, a specific expiration date for these measures is to be set.

A preliminary agreement to eliminate EU customs duties on all industrial imports from the US and grant preferential access to European markets for certain American seafood and agricultural products was reached by negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU in late May. The decision to zero out import duties on American industrial goods is to remain in effect until the end of 2029.

This agreement is part of a deal struck during talks between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2025, aimed at preventing US tariff increases on EU products. Under the deal, Washington will maintain customs duties on European goods at 15% across all sectors, except for steel and aluminum supplies, which will face a 50% rate.

The European Union, in turn, committed to removing tariffs on all American industrial goods and opening its market to a wide range of American products — seafood, dairy, pork, and soybean oil. The final text required EU approval, which had caused growing irritation for Trump. A few weeks ago, he demanded that Europeans fulfill their part of the agreement by July 4 and threatened to increase tariffs "to a much higher level."

In addition to the European Parliament's approval, the agreement needs to be endorsed by the Council of the EU. The United States remains the European Union's largest trading partner, with bilateral economic relations accounting for nearly 30% of global trade.