EU governments adopt legislation to fulfil EU side of US trade deal

Luxembourg: European Union governments adopted on ​Thursday legislation to ​remove import duties on many U.S. ​goods, fulfilling the EU's side of a trade deal struck with U.S. President Donald Trump last year ‌and ⁠avoiding renewed transatlantic ⁠trade conflict.

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The European Parliament last week ​approved the legislation by 440 votes in favour to ​151 against, with 50 abstentions, almost 11 months after the framework agreement was struck. ​Trump threatened 'much higher' tariffs unless ⁠the EU ‌took action by July 4. ​After ​adoption by the Council, the ⁠grouping of EU governments, on Thursday the EU ​is on track to meet ​that deadline. The legislation will take effect after publication in the EU official journal.


Under the agreement, the EU agreed to remove import duties on U.S. industrial goods ‌and provide preferential access to U.S. farm produce. It will also extend ​duty-free ​imports of ⁠U.S. lobster, a mini-deal struck with Trump during his first term as president.

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The EU legislation expires at the end of 2029 and includes multiple safeguards that would allow the EU to suspend concessions if the United States breaches the trade deal's terms.