This week, the European Union and the United States made minimal progress in resolving trade disputes, indicating the possible continuation of existing tariffs. According to sources, negotiations remain challenging, and the efforts of both parties have yet to lead to significant agreements.
This is reported by Київ24
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, after meeting with American counterparts, was unable to clearly define the US position while trying to ascertain Washington’s goals. The meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jameson Greer in Washington lasted about two hours. Sources indicated that the negotiations were not productive enough to lift or ease existing tariff restrictions.
Prospects for Tariff Continuation and New Sanctions
US representatives reported that 20% of reciprocal tariffs, which were reduced to 10% over 90 days, as well as other restrictions on cars, metals, and other sectors, are not planned to be fully lifted. This is confirmed by sources who noted that
“a portion of the tariffs will remain in place until a compromise is found”.
An official from the US Trade Representative confirmed that the content of the negotiations is not disclosed, and the spokesperson for the Secretary of Commerce declined to comment on the situation. The European Commission also refrained from commenting on potential further steps.
In light of these events, US President Donald Trump recently announced the imposition of new tariffs on EU goods, affecting approximately 380 billion euros ($431 billion). In response, the EU agreed to postpone the implementation of certain tariffs for 90 days in response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed earlier this year. However, if negotiations fail, the European Union intends to introduce countermeasures on US goods worth over 21 billion euros.
It is noted that the European bloc is actively working on establishing new trade agreements and improving the functioning of the single market. According to sources, while some tariffs on cars may remain, investments, production, and US exports could increase their impact; however, the future increase in tariffs remains uncertain due to potential further export growth.