European Union says it has fulfilled its commitments under landmark pact that reduces trade barriers and sets new tariff rules with the United States….
The European Union will begin implementing its long-awaited tariff agreement with the United States from Wednesday, formally activating its obligations under the trade deal reached with Washington last year.
The move follows the publication of the legal instruments in the EU’s Official Journal, clearing the way for the bloc to meet the July 4 implementation deadline set by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on Tuesday, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said the bloc had honoured its commitments under the agreement.
“Promise made, promise delivered,” Gill told reporters, adding that the European Union remains committed to implementing trade agreements and looks forward to continuing cooperation with the United States under the new framework.
The agreement, concluded in July 2025 between President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, introduced a 15 per cent tariff on most goods exported from the EU to the United States while eliminating tariffs on American industrial products entering the 27-member bloc.
As part of the deal, the EU also agreed to remove duties on a range of US industrial goods and provide improved market access for selected American agricultural and seafood products.
Implementation of the agreement had faced months of delay amid political and legal developments, including President Trump’s comments on Greenland and a ruling by the US Supreme Court that invalidated several of his tariff measures.
The agreement received its final approval from EU member states last week after securing the backing of the European Parliament earlier this month.
Before giving its approval, the Parliament introduced safeguards allowing the European Commission to suspend the agreement if the United States fails to fulfil its obligations or takes actions that significantly disrupt trade or investment.
Lawmakers also inserted a sunset clause, meaning the agreement will expire at the end of 2029 unless both sides agree to extend it.
The deal comes against the backdrop of previous trade tensions between Washington and Brussels, including President Trump’s warning that European countries imposing digital services taxes on US technology companies could face tariffs of up to 100 per cent.
