Commissioner Šefčovič urges lawmakers to advance EU tariff agreement despite US tariffs
Commissioner Šefčovič called for lawmakers to proceed with an agreement that includes a “sunset clause” and a “suspension clause” despite new US tariffs.
Commissioner Šefčovič confirmed that despite the tariffs, EU lawmakers are poised to vote on a deal with a sunset clause by March 2028.
Negotiators are preparing to finalise and vote on the agreement text, which includes critical clauses and a deadline set for March 2028.
Briefing summary
Commissioner Šefčovič urged lawmakers to proceed despite the recent announcement of new tariffs by US President Donald Trump, which jeopardise the agreement’s terms.
The new tariffs, averaging 4.8 percent, are in addition to existing duties that were imposed prior to Trump’s return to power in 2025.
Negotiators from various political groups reported readiness to agree on a text for a vote, featuring a “sunset clause” that ends tariff relief by March 2028 unless renewed.
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European Parliament ready to vote on EU-US trade deal by March
Commissioner Šefčovič urged lawmakers on Tuesday to move ahead even after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs that put the entire agreement’s terms in doubt.
The fresh tariffs came on top of duties that were already in place before Trump returned to power in 2025, which averaged 4.8 percent.
After several meetings, the political groups’ negotiators seem ready to agree on a text to be voted on. It includes a “sunset clause”, which would see EU tariff relief expire at the end of March 2028, unless explicitly renewed, and a “suspension clause”, which would be activated in the event the US violates the deal’s rules.