MEPs back lowering most tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods

Process in Brief

The International Trade Committee adopted its position on two Commission proposals to implement tariff aspects of the 2025 EU‑US Framework Agreement, voting 29 in favour, 9 against and 1 abstention; the committee will now send the texts to plenary.

What Is at Stake

The measures would remove most tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products while including a multi‑tiered safety net featuring a strengthened suspension clause, a sunrise clause and specific conditions on products containing steel or aluminium, including lowering tariffs on EU products that contain less than 50% steel or aluminium from 50% to 15%. The text also references the so‑called five "S’s" and warns that a US increase of Section 122 tariffs from 10% to 15% could make effective tariffs exceed the agreed ceiling and trigger suspension, affecting businesses and consumers’ planning.

Timeline

The two proposals will be voted by the whole Parliament at the next plenary session on 26 March before negotiations with EU governments can start on the final legislation.