The United States has officially reduced import tariffs on European automobiles from the previous 27.5 per cent to 15 per cent, applying the change retroactively as of 1 August.
The EU and the US reached a trade agreement near the end of July that includes this move. It offers some relief to European carmakers after years of higher levies. The US government confirmed the adjustment by publishing a formal notice in the Federal Register.
Commissioner welcomes decision
In addition to the automotive tariff reductions, the US has also granted exemptions on duties for various products such as aircraft, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and some natural resources.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič welcomed the progress, stating on X that the implementation of joint commitments was “on track,” with car and parts tariffs reduced retroactively from 1 August and key exemptions scheduled to start from 1 September.
Despite the development, significant challenges lie ahead for the EU over steel and aluminium, which currently remain subject to tariffs of 50 per cent. Commissioner Šefčovič emphasised that restarting strategic collaboration on steel was a priority moving forward.
