MEPs back the lowering of tariffs on US agricultural and industrial products

Suspension clause in case of new US tariffs

Sunrise clause: tariff preferences only effective when the US respects commitments

Stronger protection regarding steel imports

The International Trade committee adopted its position on Thursday on two proposals implementing certain tariff aspects of the EU-US Turnberry trade deal.

MEPs in the International Trade Committee adopted their position on two legislative proposals that eliminate most tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods from the US, by 29 votes in favour, 9 against and 1 abstention.

Parliament’s rapporteur for the file Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), said: “Today we have reached a broad majority behind a strong text that aims to provide a dose of stability, fairness and firmness in our trade relationship with the United States. Our message is clear: we will not be taking any final decision without clarity. Parliament intends to remain in the driving seat and have the last word on the application of the deal.

“With this in mind, we have agreed to a clear, multi-tiered safety net addressing key shortcomings of the Commission proposal.

Suspension and sunrise clauses

“First, we have made clear that any tariff imposed on the EU or one of its member states because of their foreign policy decisions is unacceptable. In that regard we updated and strengthened the suspension clause. If tariffs were to materialise, we would immediately suspend the legislative work implementing tariff preferences on US products. Tariff threats against one of us are a threat against all of us.

“Secondly, we have agreed to a sunrise clause, meaning that whilst we would be able to adopt legislation implementing the deal, the tariff preferences for US products would only become effective when the commitments agreed at Turnberry are effectively respected by the US side”.

Conditions on EU products containing steel

“Another criteria that will need to be fulfilled before the regulation takes effect is the lowering of tariffs on EU products that contain less than 50% steel or aluminium, from 50% to 15%,” Lange said.

“This new set of conditions complement the text already negotiated and agreed by Parliament’s negotiators, covering the so-called five "S’s": a dedicate solution for steel and aluminium, a sunset clause, a standstill provision, a safeguard mechanism and a strengthened suspension article.

“It is also clear that should the US decide to increase the current Section 122 tariffs from 10% to 15% across the board, most EU products would be subject to an effective tariff higher than the 15% ceiling due to the addition of the Most Favoured Nation tariff. This would also be unacceptable and would lead to the suspension of our work on the files.

“We were ready to vote in January, but the US threats against Greenland and the uncertainty caused by the US administration's response to the ruling by the US supreme court have twice forced us to postpone our vote.

“I do hope that with this vote we are launching a positive dynamic of trade cooperation where mutual interests converge, where tariff threats disappear, and where business and consumer can plan ahead to increase our shared prosperity and affordability".

Next steps

The two legislative proposals will now be voted by the whole Parliament at the next plenary session, on 26 March, before negotiations with EU governments can start on the final shape of the legislation.

Background

In July 2025, the EU and the US reached a political agreement on tariff and trade issues (Turnberry Deal). These were outlined in detail in an August 2025 joint statement announcing an EU-US Framework Agreement. The Commission then published two legislative proposals aimed at implementing certain tariff aspects of the EU-US Framework Agreement.

The International Trade Committee is responsible for steering the legislation through Parliament and for leading negotiations with EU governments on the final shape of the customs duties on goods imports from the US.