EU welcomes new US forced‑labour tariffs under Turnberry agreement

The United States imposed fresh tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including the European Union, citing insufficient action against forced‑labour products. The European Commission said the measures conform to the 2025 Turnberry trade deal, which caps U.S. duties on EU goods at 15% and grants exemptions for items such as cork, diamonds, aircraft parts and generic medicines.

EU officials gave a guarded, yet relieved, response, noting that the outcome provides “positive momentum” for continued stability and predictability in transatlantic trade. While the EU disbelieves the U.S. forced‑labour findings, it stressed the priority of keeping the tariff ceiling within the Turnberry limit and monitoring any further actions.

The announcement came shortly after the EU imposed an €890 million fine on Google for antitrust violations, raising concerns in Brussels about possible U.S. retaliation. The Commission reiterated its commitment to the existing agreement while defending its own strict rules against forced‑labour goods.