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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.    

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. 

From Monday, 20 to Wednesday, 22 April, AmCham EU joined the AmChams in Europe network for a delegation visit to Washington, DC. As part of the programme, delegates met with representatives from the US Department of Commerce, the US Department of State, congressional offices and the US Chamber of Commerce. AmCham EU specifically also engaged with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, US Members of the House and staffers, the EU Delegation to the US, the European Parliament Liaison Office and other business organisations.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement and its role in supporting a more predictable transatlantic trade and investment relationship. The deal remains the most realistic route to a more constructive climate for companies operating across the Atlantic. The EU-US strategic partnership on critical minerals points to the potential for further EU-US cooperation in areas that benefit businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.