The United States may soon simplify its extensive tariffs on products containing steel and aluminum imported from the European Union. This issue has become a key point in negotiations between Washington and Brussels regarding future trade cooperation.
This is reported by Finway
Possible Changes in US Tariff Policy
According to sources close to the EU’s position, the Trump administration is considering reducing the list of goods subject to the 50 percent tariff. These changes could take effect within a few weeks. Currently, more than 400 items containing steel and aluminum are subject to increased tariffs. The European Union has long been seeking to ease these restrictions, considering them contrary to the trade agreement signed in 2025.
EU Response and Next Steps
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič informed European lawmakers that the American side is aware of the importance of this issue and is currently exploring ways to resolve it. At the same time, the expected changes will not affect tariffs on key metal products—they will remain unchanged.
“The EU has faced a ‘transition period’ of several months in relations with the US following the new tariffs imposed by Trump, which threatens to undermine the established trade agreement.”
According to Šefčovič, US Trade Representative Jamison Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed adherence to previously reached agreements. The American side is currently seeking a compromise solution following a relevant ruling by the Supreme Court.
Maroš Šefčovič urged the European Parliament’s trade committee, which postponed voting on the cancellation of EU import tariffs for the US, to conduct this vote in March. After that, additional negotiations among member states will be necessary to agree on the final text before its final approval in the European Parliament.
The global tariffs initiated by Trump took effect on February 24. A few hours before their implementation, the US Customs and Border Protection informed importers that the initial rate would be 10% and would apply for 150 days for each country unless a special exemption was granted. The announced increase to 15% is still under review by the administration, and final deadlines for its implementation have not yet been determined.