On Tuesday 10 February in Strasbourg, the European Parliament’s rapporteurs on EU-US relations in the Committee on International Trade (INTA) reached agreement in principle on several terms of the bilateral trade agreement signed in the summer of 2025.
The most sensitive points between the political groups have been resolved, such as the end of the validity of the main regulation governing the reduction or elimination of customs tariffs on a series of US products, which is now set for the end of March 2028, rather than a deadline of 18 or 36 months, as previously discussed (see EUROPE 13803/17).
“This gives us enough time to assess the situation. We will also be able to discuss the next steps (...)”, explained the lead rapporteur, Bernd Lange (S&D, German). He pointed out that the US Supreme Court had yet to rule on the validity of the tariffs imposed by the US executive (15% on the majority of European products) and that the EU-US agreement did not comply with WTO rules.
“There will be some additional negotiations, it's a little bit up in the air”, he said.
In the meantime, a solution has emerged in response to the increase in tariffs imposed by the US administration on more than 400 European steel products. A consensus was reached to satisfy the EPP and to reintroduce tariffs on US steel and aluminium if the US administration does not reduce its own surtaxes within six months.
There is also talk of being able to suspend the regulation in the event of non-compliance with the territorial sovereignty of EU countries. This addition is a direct result of the threats made in recent weeks and months by US President Donald Trump concerning the possible annexation of Greenland.
At the request of the Greens/EFA, the rapporteurs also agreed on the possibility of linking the potential activation of the anti-coercion instrument, in the event of new trade threats, to the immediate suspension of tariff reductions for US products.
The EPP welcomed an agreement that brings “clarity and stability” to businesses. “We have achieved a balanced and forward-looking text that keeps the EU open for business and ensures continued trade with our most important partner”, welcomed the rapporteur, Željana Zovko (EPP, Croatian).
A vote in the INTA Committee is scheduled for 24 February. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys with Nithya Paquiry)