The European Union is pressing Washington to roll back punitive tariffs on its exports and to promise no new duties, a senior law-maker said on Wednesday, as negotiators race to finalise a framework accord by 1 August.
The head of the European Parliament’s trade committee, German Social Democrat Bernd Lange, told reporters he saw “a corridor for some understanding” on levies that currently slap 50 % duties on EU steel, 25 % on cars and a blanket 10 % on most other goods bound for the United States.
Brussels wants the reductions to take effect as soon as a framework agreement is struck, rather than weeks later, and is demanding a “stand-still clause” that would bar any fresh U.S. measures while the full pact is drafted.
“So far there is no clear commitment from the U.S. side,” Mr Lange said.
The tariffs, revived and expanded by President Donald Trump earlier this year, threaten sectors worth tens of billions of dollars to the bloc. EU carmakers exported vehicles worth €38.9 billion (about $45.5 billion) to the United States in 2024, according to industry body ACEA. Steel lobby Eurofer warns that the 50 % duty endangers more than 3.8 million tonnes of annual EU shipments.
Commission officials, negotiating on behalf of the 27-nation bloc, say talks are “intensive” but give no timetable for a breakthrough. Diplomats note that Brussels is also weighing whether to keep its own retaliatory measures in reserve.
U.S. trade representatives have not commented publicly on the EU’s twin demands. Washington is preparing separate sector-specific levies of 50% on imported copper and new duties on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, moves EU officials argue would undermine any deal unless frozen.
Analysts warn that failure to secure early relief could spur European producers to divert investment outside the bloc.
“Uncertainty over tariffs is already holding up decisions on new low-carbon steel plants,” said one executive at a major EU mill.
Parliament must sign off on any final accord, giving Mr Lange’s committee leverage.
“Industry needs clarity more than anything,” he said. “A quick win on tariff relief would send a strong signal that transatlantic trade can still work in a rules-based way.”
The Spanish government has unveiled plans to extend protections against evictions until the end of 2030 as it seeks to address growing concerns ove...
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 30 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in Europe....
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking to foment internal divisions in Iran after failing to defeat the cou...
A Russian guided aerial bomb has struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, injuring 22 people, including children, according to the city’s mayor. The strike follows a day of near-continuous Russian attacks across Ukraine that killed at least five people.
The European Union's decision to simultaneously advance accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania marks its most ambitious enlargement effort in more than two decades.
U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that he offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, with preparations under way to send another 10,000.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking to foment internal divisions in Iran after failing to defeat the country militarily, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.
The Spanish government has unveiled plans to extend protections against evictions until the end of 2030 as it seeks to address growing concerns over housing affordability and tenant security.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 30 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in Europe.
The U.S. Senate has blocked a resolution that would have required President Donald Trump’s administration to report to Congress on alleged human rights violations and rising violence in the West Bank.
Three people were killed, including a child and seven others were injured in Russian air strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region early on Wednesday, Ukrainian officials have said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and leading technology executives have agreed to develop voluntary safety standards for artificial intelligence, while the administration continues to support the rapid expansion of data centres across the country.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment