EU and US seal trade deal capping US tariffs at 15%

European Union governments have approved legislation to eliminate import duties on a range of American industrial goods and to grant preferential access for U.S. farm and seafood products. The move fulfills the EU side of the trade pact negotiated at the Turnberry resort in Scotland, which limits U.S. tariffs on most EU exports to 15% until the July 4 deadline set by President Donald Trump.

The agreement, ratified by the 27 EU member states, still requires a final vote by the European Parliament, expected in mid‑June. Safeguard clauses allow the EU to suspend parts of the deal if the United States does not keep its tariff reductions, and the pact includes a sunset provision that ends the arrangement at the close of 2029. President Trump has warned of “much higher” tariffs if the EU fails to meet its commitments.

The legislation completes a lengthy negotiation process, with the EU seeking to preserve its trade relationship with its largest non‑regional partner while imposing limited safeguards to protect against potential U.S. policy reversals.