BRUSSELS — Feb. 22 (GeokHub) - The European Union has called on Washington to honor the terms of last year’s transatlantic trade agreement, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down former global tariffs and prompted fresh levies from President Donald Trump.
The European Commission, which negotiates trade policy for the bloc’s 27 member states, said the United States must provide full clarity on how it intends to implement new tariff measures announced in the wake of the court ruling.
After the Supreme Court invalidated the administration’s previous global tariffs, Trump introduced temporary across-the-board duties of 10%, which were raised to 15% a day later. Brussels warned that the move risks undermining the “fair, balanced and mutually beneficial” framework both sides agreed upon in last year’s EU-U.S. trade accord.
“A deal is a deal,” the Commission stated, signaling a firmer tone compared with its earlier, more cautious reaction.
What’s at Stake
Under the 2025 agreement, most EU goods entering the United States were subject to a 15% tariff ceiling, with exemptions for specific sectors such as aircraft and spare parts. In return, the EU lifted duties on a wide range of American products and stepped back from retaliatory measures.
However, uncertainty now surrounds whether the new U.S. tariffs replace or override the earlier deal. If they supersede it, exemptions granted under the agreement — including zero-tariff categories — could be at risk.
There are also concerns that the new duties could be layered on top of existing “most-favoured-nation” rates, potentially raising effective tariff burdens beyond previously agreed limits.
