Von der Leyen says the measure complies with the agreement with Trump and will bring more predictability to companies and consumers
The European Union began to remove, this Wednesday (Jul 1, 2026), import tariffs on industrial products from the United States. The measure was announced by the president of the European Commission, who classified the decision as a “good news” for transatlantic trade.
According to Von der Leyen, the end of fees represents “more predictability, more choice and better prices” for European businesses and consumers. The measure fulfills a commitment made in the joint declaration between the EU and the USA.
“The transatlantic relationship remains the most valuable in the world. We will continue to build on it”wrote Von der Leyen in a post on social media.
The elimination of tariffs is part of the trade agreement reached in 2025 between the European Union and the president of the USA, (Republican Party), in Turnberry, Scotland. Under the understanding, the European bloc agreed to remove tariffs on North American industrial products and grant preferential access to US agricultural products.
In return, Washington maintained 15% tariffs on most European products. The agreement was presented by the parties as a way to reduce trade tensions between the world’s 2 largest economic partners.
The European Parliament approved on June 16 the . The vote was a necessary step for the bloc to fulfill its part of the agreement.
Here are the main points of understanding:
- the EU eliminates tariffs on North American industrial products;
- US agricultural products now have preferential access to the European market;
- the US maintains a 15% tariff on most European goods;
- European legislation seeks to avoid a new tariff dispute with Washington.
The approval came after pressure from Trump. The Republican had threatened to impose “much higher” tariffs if the European Union did not adopt the measures by July 4.
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