European Union Pushes Back on New US Tariffs, Demands Trade Deal Be Honored

The European Commission is demanding the United States honor last year’s trade agreement after President Trump imposed new tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling. EU officials say Washington must stick to previously agreed tariff limits and provide clarity on future trade actions.

European Union leaders are pushing back against new American tariffs, insisting Washington must honor the terms of a trade agreement reached between the two sides last year.

The European Commission, speaking for all 27 EU nations in trade matters, called on the United States to provide complete transparency about its next moves following a recent Supreme Court decision that invalidated former President Trump’s worldwide tariff system.

The Supreme Court eliminated Trump’s global tariff structure on Friday, prompting the former president to respond by implementing temporary tariffs of 10% on all imports, which he then raised to 15% just one day later.

European officials stated that the current circumstances do not support achieving the mutually beneficial transatlantic trade relationship that both parties committed to in their previous agreement. The Commission emphasized: “A deal is a deal.”

This response marked a significantly tougher stance compared to the EU’s initial reaction on Friday, when officials had simply indicated they were reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision and maintaining communication with American officials.

The trade agreement established last year set American tariff rates at 15% for most European products, excluding items already subject to specific sector tariffs like steel. The deal also eliminated tariffs entirely on certain goods including aircraft and replacement parts. In exchange, European nations removed import fees on numerous American products and abandoned plans for retaliatory tariffs.

EU leadership stressed that European goods must continue receiving the most favorable treatment possible, with no tariff increases above the comprehensive limits previously established. Officials warned that unpredictable tariff policies create disruption and damage confidence in worldwide markets.

The Commission reported that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic held discussions about the situation with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Saturday.