US and EU strike new trade agreement
Washington will cut car tariffs once Europe reduces barriers on US goods, marking a breakthrough in long-running trade tensions.
The United States and the European Union have concluded a trade agreement that lowers tariffs and removes barriers for industrial, agricultural, and digital sectors. The pact formalises July’s commitments and aims to strengthen transatlantic economic ties.
Under the terms, Washington will reduce tariffs on European automobiles from 27.5% to 15% once Brussels lowers restrictions on US goods. Europe also pledged to buy $750 billion worth of American energy and to lift tariffs on all US industrial products.
Agricultural concessions include greater access for dairy, pork, nuts, and seafood, with an extension of the 2020 lobster deal.
The agreement extends beyond trade in goods. Brussels committed not to introduce digital network fees opposed by Washington and promised adjustments to sustainability regulations that could disadvantage non-EU firms.
Both sides emphasised the deal as the first step towards deeper cooperation in trade and investment.
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