The EU Parliament approved the long-disputed customs deal with the USA on June 16, 2026. This allows the European Union to implement an important part of the agreement that was negotiated as early as the summer of 2025.
For European exporters, the deal mainly brings a bit more planning certainty. The USA plans to apply a maximum overall tariff of 15 percent on most goods from the EU. This includes key products such as cars and auto parts.
In return, the EU is lowering or eliminating its tariffs on numerous goods from the USA. This primarily affects industrial products as well as certain agricultural and fishery goods.
However, the customs dispute is not entirely settled. Especially for steel and aluminum, there remain open questions. The USA has imposed significantly higher tariffs in this area. Therefore, the EU has included a safeguard clause for certain processed steel and aluminum products.
If the USA continues to demand more than 15 percent tariffs on these products by the end of 2026, the EU can suspend its own tariff concessions again. Furthermore, the EU Commission must report to Parliament by early December 2026.
It is important to note that the statement 'Steel at a maximum of 15 percent' does not apply universally to all steel products. There remain significant burdens and uncertainties for conventional steel and aluminum.
The deal is fundamentally valid until December 31, 2029. After that, it will automatically end unless both sides agree to an extension. This time limitation is intended to prevent the EU from making permanent concessions if the USA does not adhere to the agreements.
For logistics, this is nevertheless good news. Companies can plan supply chains, prices, and transportation between Europe and the USA somewhat better again. However, one cannot really speak of true free trade at a tariff level of 15 percent.