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())
Discussing transatlantic trade with US Trade Representative Bryant Trick
On Monday, 9 February, AmCham EU met with Bryant Trick, Assistant United States Trade Representative, Europe and the Middle East. Malte Lohan, CEO and Liam Benham, Chair, opened the meeting by setting the context for the discussion and highlighting the need for transatlantic engagement at a challenging time. As efforts continue to implement the EU–US framework agreement and move forward in a constructive manner, the exchange provided an important opportunity for open dialogue.
:focal())
Increasing certainty around the €150 customs duty de minimis threshold
The Commission’s proposed transitional rules to anticipate the removal of the €150 customs duty threshold risk creating distortions and unnecessary complexity. As discussed at the Trade Contact Group in January 2026, the current approach could undermine simplification efforts and lead to an uneven playing field between businesses involved in low-value distance sales.
Co-legislators should consider targeted changes to address these risks. In particular, the temporary €3 duty and the use of the H7 simplified customs declarations should apply consistently to all distance sales below €150. H7 data requirements for simplified procedures should also remain proportionate and not exceed those of the standard H1 dataset. Finally, changes to the definition of the customs declarant should be avoided where they may create legal uncertainty or increase fraud and liability risks.
Find out more about why a proportionate and legally sound approach is essential for a workable de minimis transition.
:focal())
Highlighting the importance of EU-US cooperation in Lisbon
On Tuesday 27 January, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU, took part in AmCham Portugal’s Transatlantic Business Summit in Lisbon, Portugal to discuss Europe’s economic resilience in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. His speech underlined that the EU-US relationship remains the world’s largest and most consequential economic partnership. He also covered the need to strengthen the Single Market, restore Europe’s competitiveness and avoid fragmentation that risks undermining growth. Economic resilience relies on predictability, openness and a stable transatlantic trade and investment environment.
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.