EU-US trade dispute: measured EU response paves way for negotiated outcome
News
13 Jul 2025
Transatlantic, Trade tensions

AmCham EU is concerned about the United States potentially imposing a 30% tariff on EU imports as of August 1. This move would generate damaging ripple effects across all sectors of the EU and US economies. Tariffs disrupt supply chains and add costs and complexity for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, undermining their competitiveness. In this context, the EU’s decision to hold off on imposing countermeasures against the US until early August is a constructive signal. It provides relief to industry, helps avoid further escalation and creates space for continued dialogue. The two sides must urgently seek a negotiated outcome to the ongoing dispute with the goal of lowering barriers to trade.

The transatlantic economic relationship – worth €8.7 trillion – remains the most integrated in the world. Despite political tensions, the EU and the US share more priorities than differences. A permanent solution to transatlantic trade is needed to ensure long-term predictability for American and European companies. 

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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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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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AmCham EU’s senior business leaders urge greater predictability for investment

Predictability in EU-US relations, Europe’s competitiveness agenda and the future of the Single Market were centre stage during AmCham EU’s Executive Council Spring Plenary on Monday, 8 and Tuesday, 9 June. Our senior business leaders met with EU, US and Member State policymakers to discuss the pressures shaping investment decisions in Europe. The group engaged with the following officials: Tomas Baert, Trade Adviser in the Cabinet of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; Thomas Hans Ossowski, German Ambassador to the EU; Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space; Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament and Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the EU.

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