The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) warmly welcomes the announcement made on Friday, 5 March by President von der Leyen and President Biden to suspend punitive tariffs imposed in the WTO aircraft subsidies dispute. The four-month grace period will give time to negotiators to find a commonly-agreed permanent solution to the dispute on permissible aircraft subsidies.
EU and US leaders reset the transatlantic relationship
The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) warmly welcomes the announcement made on Friday, 5 March by President von der Leyen and President Biden to suspend punitive tariffs imposed in the WTO aircraft subsidies dispute. The four-month grace period will give time to negotiators to find a commonly-agreed permanent solution to the dispute on permissible aircraft subsidies.

This is a positive development in EU-US trade relations, demonstrating the commitment of both sides to forge a strong partnership that will deliver tangible results. The suspension of retaliatory tariffs on both aircraft and non-aircraft goods is a welcome step that will boost transatlantic trade and comes at a time when both economies are beginning to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. Both Presidents have also identified avenues for further EU-US cooperation on key areas such as healthcare, climate change and foreign policy.
AmCham EU urges both partners to also consider the removal of tit-for-tat tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium products in the context of the Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962 investigation. AmCham EU continues to advocate for a permanent exemption for the EU from tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium.
Related items
:focal())
The Transatlantic Economy 2026
Following a year of political and trade tensions between Europe and the United States, commercial ties between the two sides – the deepest and broadest between any two regions in history – have held remarkably strong. In a new study from the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) and the US Chamber of Commerce, authors Daniel Hamilton and Joseph Quinlan value the transatlantic economy at a record $9.8 trillion in 2025, up from $9.5 trillion the previous year. This figure comprises an estimated record $2.3 trillion in goods and services trade between Europe and the United States and $7.5 trillion in combined affiliate sales.
:focal(1377x495:1378x496))
Getting the view from Washington, DC with Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US
On Thursday, 12 March, AmCham EU hosted Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US for a townhall discussion on the outlook for EU–US relations and the evolving economic and geopolitical environment shaping the transatlantic partnership. Moderated by Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, participants reflected on the importance of maintaining a strong and stable transatlantic relationship that continues to underpin investment, innovation and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The discussion explored perspectives from Washington on the current state of the partnership, the work of the EU Delegation in engaging US policymakers in Washington, DC and the outlook for transatlantic trade and economic cooperation. Participants also examined how the EU and the US can preserve open investment flows, avoid escalation in trade tensions and work together to address shared challenges such as global overcapacity and supply chain resilience.
:focal())
Statement on Section 301 investigations
On Wednesday, 11 March, the United States Trade Representative launched Section 301 investigations into structural production overcapacity against a range of economies, including the European Union. We understand that this decision is part of a larger attempt to stabilise the US tariff system in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling striking down the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs.
The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) is concerned about the continued uncertainty of the current trade environment. Companies still lack clarity over future tariff rates in both the short- and long-term. We continue to oppose broad-based tariffs as they raise costs for businesses and consumers and disrupt supply chains.
With potential measures against the EU under consideration, AmCham EU calls on the EU and the US to avoid escalation in the trade dispute. The priority must be to restore stability and predictability in transatlantic trade. The deal struck in the summer is not a perfect solution, but it offers the most realistic path forward given political priorities on both sides. We look to the parties to honour their commitments under the EU-US Framework Agreement.
The US Administration rightfully identifies overcapacity as a critical issue in the global economy which also affects the European market. We see the EU as part of the solution, rather than the problem. The EU and the US must work together to tackle the real issue at hand: unfair trading practices from non-market economies.
Policy priorities
Insights and advocacy driving Europe’s policy agenda. Our priorities support growth, innovation and a stronger transatlantic economy.
Membership
Connecting business and policymakers to strengthen the voice of American companies in Europe.