EU-US Agree to Cut Tariffs, Europe Still Braking to Protect Industries

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. (Photo by Christophe Licoppe/European Union, 2025/EC - Audiovisual Service)

European Parliament finally passed rules to implement the EU-US trade agreement that has been stalled for almost a year. US industrial goods will have tariff-free access to the European market. However, Brussels does not open the door without safeguards.

Anadolu Agency quoted Tuesday, June 16 reported that the main regulation was approved in a vote on Tuesday. A total of 440 parliamentarians supported, 151 rejected, and 50 abstained.

The rules provide tariff-free access for all US industrial goods. A number of seafood and agricultural products from America also receive special tariff treatment.

The second package also passed. A total of 444 members supported, 152 rejected, and 54 abstained. It extends the facility to import US lobsters without tariffs. The facility is also expanded to processed lobster products.

This agreement is a follow-up to the joint statement by US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland, in July 2025.

The European Commission submitted a proposal a month later. However, the process was not fast. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union must negotiate for a long time before the rules can enter the final stage.

In the discussion, the European Parliament and member states tightened the European Commission's initial draft. They included a number of safety rules for European industry and agriculture.

One of them is the time limit clause, namely the validity of the tariff facility. The tariff preference will expire on December 31, 2029, unless extended.

The European Commission is also authorized to suspend the tariff facility if the US still imposes tariffs above 15 percent on EU steel and aluminum derivatives after December 31, 2026.

A broader mechanism is also being prepared. The EU can respond if Washington does not resolve the tariff issue that is suppressing a number of European exports. These exports previously had a 15 percent comprehensive tariff limit.

Brussels can also investigate the surge in imports that is considered a threat to EU industries, including the agricultural sector. If the impact is serious, security measures can be taken.

The point is, Europe receives US goods more freely. But the door is not left loose. European industries and farmers are still given protection fences.

Von der Leyen welcomed the decision. Through X, he said the EU was only a few days away from fulfilling its commitment to remove tariffs on imports of US industrial goods.

"With full implementation on both sides, our agreement will provide greater benefits for citizens and businesses," von der Leyen said.

This rule is still awaiting official approval by the Council of the European Union. After that, the regulation will be valid after being published in the Official Journal of the European Union.