EU–US Trade Talks Resume as Key Tariff Disputes Persist

The European Union and the United States will restart trade negotiations next week in Brussels, aiming to resolve several unresolved issues stemming from the tariff framework agreed upon in July. The discussions come after a two-month pause and growing concerns in Washington over the EU’s slow progress in implementing the deal.
Senior US officials, including the commerce secretary and trade representative, are set to meet EU ministers, commissioners, and major industry leaders. Washington has signaled frustration that the July agreement—designed to avert a threatened 50% tariff surge—has yet to gain formal legislative approval within the EU, a process that could extend into February.
Key disputes expected to dominate the talks include the continuation of 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium, additional duties on products containing steel components, and various levies on food and drink products. Several EU member states are pushing for the removal of the 15% tariff on wine and spirits, which has impacted major exporters such as France and Ireland.
Another significant sticking point involves the US decision to impose separate tariffs on hundreds of steel-related products. European manufacturers have raised alarm over what they describe as “hidden tariffs,” with some exporters reportedly facing charges as high as 200% due to complex origin-tracking requirements. The US is also considering expanding the list by hundreds more items, raising industry concerns across Europe.
Both sides will also explore options for aligning their steel industry protections as they face growing pressure from cheaper imports from China. EU officials hope that newly announced anti-dumping measures—designed to mirror US actions—will help convince Washington to reduce the current 50% tariffs on European steel.