EU heading towards 15% tariff deal with US, EU diplomats say
Source: Reuters
July 23, 2025 1:37 PM EDT Updated 3 hours ago
BRUSSELS, July 23 (Reuters) - The European Union is heading towards a trade deal with Washington that would result in a broad 15% tariff on EU goods imported into the U.S., avoiding a harsher 30% levy slated to be implemented from August 1, two EU diplomats said on Wednesday. The rate, which could also extend to cars, would mirror the framework agreement the United States struck with Japan.
Officials from the European Commission, which negotiates trade deals on behalf of the 27-nation bloc, briefed EU envoys on the state of talks with their U.S. counterparts. U.S. President Donald Trump would ultimately make any final decision on a deal, however.
Under the outlines of the potential deal, the 15% rate could apply to sectors including cars and pharmaceuticals and would not be added to long-standing U.S. duties, which average just under 5%. There could also be concessions for sectors like aircraft, lumber as well as some medicines and agricultural products, which would not face tariffs, the diplomats said. Washington does not, however, appear willing to lower its current 50% tariff on steel, they said.
The Commission said earlier on Wednesday that its primary focus was to achieve a negotiated outcome to avert the threatened 30% tariffs. At the same time it planned to submit counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) worth of U.S. goods to EU members for approval. A vote is expected on Thursday, though no measures would be imposed until August 7.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/eu-submit-countermeasures-us-goods-avert-looming-tariffs-2025-07-23/
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