The European Commission said Monday that reports about accepting a broad 10% U.S. tariff on EU goods do not reflect the current talks and are speculative.
The statement followed a report by German newspaper Handelsblatt claiming that Brussels negotiators were willing to accept a flat U.S. tariff to avoid higher duties on EU cars, electronics, and medicines.
The Commission, which handles trade talks for the 27-member bloc, said negotiations with the United States are still ongoing and no agreement has been reached. It also repeated its position that U.S. tariffs are unjustified and illegal.
European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is expected to meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the G7 summit in Canada later this week.
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed wide-ranging tariffs on many trade partners. Current U.S. tariffs on EU exports include 50% on steel and aluminium, 25% on cars and parts, and 10% on most other goods. These rates may rise in July after a 90-day pause announced in April.
In May, the United Kingdom agreed to a limited trade deal with Washington that maintains the 10% rate on British exports but cuts higher tariffs on steel and vehicles. EU trade ministers said such a deal would not be acceptable for the wider bloc.
U.S. officials have stated that 10% is the minimum tariff level they will apply to any trade partner, both in public and in private discussions with EU representatives.
