The European Parliament’s International Trade Committee has approved key measures to reduce tariffs on US agricultural and industrial products, while introducing safeguards to
protect European interests against potential American trade actions. The vote, held on Thursday, saw 29 MEPs in favor, 9 against, and 1 abstention.
Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), the Parliament’s rapporteur on the file, hailed the move as a “broad majority behind a strong text” aimed at fostering stability, fairness, and predictability in EU-US trade relations. “Our message is clear: Parliament will have the final say on the application of this deal,” Lange said.
Suspension and sunrise clauses ensure EU protection
The approved legislation includes two critical protective mechanisms:
- Suspension Clause: Any US tariffs imposed on the EU due to foreign policy decisions will trigger an immediate suspension of EU tariff reductions on American products. “Tariff threats against one of us are a threat against all of us,” Lange emphasized.
- Sunrise Clause: Tariff preferences for US goods will only come into effect once the US fully honors the commitments outlined in the Turnberry Deal, ensuring reciprocity in trade obligations.
Steel, aluminum, and EU product protections
The agreement also establishes conditions on EU products containing steel or aluminum. Tariffs on products with less than 50% steel or aluminum will drop from 50% to 15%, but only once the US respects its obligations. Lange highlighted that any US decision to raise Section 122 tariffs would immediately trigger the suspension of EU tariff reductions.
The legislation integrates what Parliament negotiators call the five “S’s”: steel and aluminum safeguards, a sunset clause, a standstill provision, a safeguard mechanism, and a strengthened suspension article, ensuring robust protection for European industries.
Path forward
The two legislative proposals will now go to the full European Parliament for a plenary vote on 26 March. If approved, negotiations with EU member states will commence to finalize the legislation governing US imports.
The measures stem from the Turnberry Deal, reached politically in July 2025, and formalized in the August 2025 EU-US Framework Agreement. The agreement aims to streamline tariffs on industrial and agricultural products while reinforcing mechanisms to prevent unfair trade practices.
“Today’s vote marks a step toward a positive trade dynamic, where tariff threats are eliminated and businesses and consumers can plan with confidence,” Lange concluded.