EU Council adopts final tariff rules for United States trade

The European Union Council approved two implementing regulations that complete the tariff commitments reached with the United States. The measures eliminate the remaining EU duties on U.S. industrial goods, introduce preferential access for selected American seafood and agricultural products, and maintain the suspension of lobster duties under the most‑favoured‑nation regime. A fast‑acting safeguard mechanism allows the European Commission to intervene quickly if a surge in imports threatens EU manufacturers, and the regulations permit suspension of tariff preferences should the United States breach the agreement. The Commission must assess the impact by 30 June 2029 and may propose extensions. EU officials, including Michael Damianos and trade spokesperson Olof Gill, emphasised that the rules aim to ensure stable, predictable transatlantic trade while protecting European industry and workers.