American Hour with the Peterson Institute for International Economics
For our last American Hour, members-only fireside chat series that took place on Wednesday, 3 June, we had the pleasure of welcoming Chad Bown, Economist, Peterson Institute for International Economics and Reginald Jones, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics. The conversation was moderated by Taggart Davis (JP Morgan), Chair, Transatlantic Task Force and Vice-Chair, Board, AmCham EU.
Chad Bown described the difference between the 2008 financial crisis and today’s pandemic. He insisted that there is a stark difference in the response by the international community shown during the two crises. Participants also discussed trade remedies and how these tend to be used by governments during economic recessions. It was concluded that there is a strong possibility that many governments will start using countervailing duties (ie, anti-subsidies tariffs) and raise tariffs between countries worldwide to counter the upcoming recession.

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Implementing the EU-US Joint Statement
With the EU having formally adopted the tariff reductions agreed under the EU-US Framework Agreement, the two sides now have an opportunity to enter a new phase.
The agreement has the potential to help restore stability and predictability for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and provide the basis for continued collaborationbetween the EU and US. The goal should be to bring their shared $9.8 trillion commercial relationship to a more constructive place, focusing on cooperation where interests align.
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European Parliament plenary vote paves way for stronger transatlantic marketplace
Today, the European Parliament took a positive step to bring a degree of predictability to the transatlantic trade and investment climate. With their decision to approve tariff reductions on certain imports from the US, MEPs have demonstrated the EU’s commitment to honouring its side of the EU-US Framework Agreement.
Given the importance of the $9.8 trillion transatlantic marketplace for jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, the EU and the US must now continue down this track, pursuing cooperation based on the Framework Agreement. While AmCham EU opposes tariffs, the EU‑US Framework Agreement provides the most realistic path to de‑escalation in trade tensions and a more constructive relationship.
With the initial tariff reductions adopted, the EU and the US can move to advance other priorities identified in the August 2025 EU-US Joint Statement. In particular, the two sides should focus on joint action in four areas: tackling shared geopolitical challenges, bolstering supply chain security, strengthening transatlantic digital commerce and striking mutual recognition agreements (AmCham EU has set out these recommendations here). Cooperation in these four areas will bring benefits to American and European businesses alike.
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Trilogue breakthrough unlocks implementation of EU-US Framework Agreement
AmCham EU is relieved to see the European Parliament and Member States reach an agreement on the tariff reduction proposals linked to the EU-US Framework Agreement. The co-legislators’ compromise is a critical step for businesses that rely on a stable transatlantic trade and investment relationship.
The EU‑US commercial relationship is the largest in the world. It supports millions of European and American jobs and underpins deeply integrated value chains on both sides of the Atlantic. While AmCham EU opposes broad-based tariffs, given political priorities on both sides of the Atlantic, the EU-US Framework Agreement still provides the most realistic path to a workable and more constructive transatlantic trade and investment environment that helps businesses plan and grow in an increasingly volatile global context. The trilogue agreement is a sign that the EU is honouring its commitments under the deal.
Member States and the European Parliament must now formally confirm this outcome at the earliest possible opportunity. Completing this process will allow the EU and the US to move beyond tariffs and advance the broader cooperation set out in the Joint Statement, including on critical supply chains, non‑market practices and economic security.
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