EU–US trade framework: 15% ceiling on most exports

2025-08-21 · Publisher : Union européenne / États-Unis · Domain : Industry 4.0 & 5.0

The 21 August 2025 joint statement formalises July's deal: US duties capped at an all-inclusive 15% for most EU goods, including cars and semiconductors. Steel and aluminium still face up to 50%.

What changes

Single rate of at most 15%, with no stacking, for most sectors.
Cars, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and lumber under the ceiling.
The EU removes tariffs on US industrial goods.
Steel, aluminium and derivatives: up to 50%, left to joint action on overcapacity.

### Background On 21 August 2025, the European Union and the United States published a **joint statement** formalising the political agreement reached in July 2025. It becomes the basis of transatlantic trade after months of tariff threats. ### Key features - **15% ceiling** for most EU exports to the US: a single, all-inclusive rate with no stacking, covering in particular **cars**, **semiconductors**, pharmaceuticals and lumber. - Sectors already subject to a most-favoured-nation duty of 15% or more face no additional duty. - The EU eliminates tariffs on **US industrial goods** and opens some non-sensitive agri-food products. - **Steel and aluminium**: US duties on derivatives remain up to **50%**; both sides announce joint action against global overcapacity, and the EU asks for alignment with the 15% ceiling. ### Why it matters For automotive suppliers, machinery and electronics makers, the 15% ceiling restores visibility to price offers and plan production. But the "metals" exception weighs on capital goods rich in steel and aluminium, where metal content and origin must be tracked precisely. ### Key takeaway The deal stabilises the transatlantic framework at a durably higher tariff level than before 2025, with a costly exception for metal products.

EU–US trade framework: 15% ceiling on most exports

What changes

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