An EU official confirmed on Tuesday that all European Union goods entering the United States are subject to a 15% tariff, which includes the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rate, unlike certain countries with special trade deals with the U.S. This 15% rate is applied across all goods, except for steel and aluminium, the official added.
The tariff covers a wide range of products, including cars and car parts, with no quotas or limits imposed. While tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are currently zero, the official noted that if tariffs rise due to the U.S. Section 232 investigations, the maximum tariff will remain capped at 15%.
This tariff policy is part of ongoing discussions between the U.S. and the EU, as both parties have been trying to resolve trade tensions. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have been scheduled to meet to finalize a trade deal and avoid a potential trade war between the two economic giants. The meeting, set for Sunday, is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing transatlantic trade relations and addressing issues such as tariffs and market access.
The background of these developments stems from the Trump administration’s push to reduce trade imbalances, which led to the imposition of tariffs on a variety of goods, including those from the EU. These tariffs have been a point of contention, particularly in industries like automotive and technology, which heavily rely on European exports. The ongoing negotiations are aimed at finding a more favorable balance and reducing the risk of escalating trade conflicts.
