In a surprise move on Tuesday, the European Commission officially suspended its planned retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth €93 billion, just days before they were set to kick in. The decision, announced by trade spokesperson Olof Gill, pauses the measures for six months while broader agreement commitments are worked out.
Under an emergency procedure, member states have two weeks to formally approve the suspension by simple majority. If the US fails to meet its commitments, the EU retains the right to reactivate its countermeasures, Gill said.
Key EU capitals voiced frustration ahead of the announcement. Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil, described the bloc’s stance as “too weak,” criticizing last month’s deal struck between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump.
As part of that deal, most EU exports to the US will face a 15% tariff, while the EU agreed to boost purchases of American energy products and increase investment in the US market. Meanwhile, punitive 50% US tariffs on European steel and aluminium remain, though they will transition to a quota system after August 1, Brussels says.
Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell slammed the agreement as “very bad,” warning it damages Europe’s economic interests and signals political subordination to Washington. He pointed out that commitments like importing $750 billion of US natural gas over three years are unrealistic—gas deals are handled by private companies, not by the EU itself.
Borrell also highlighted a glaring contradiction: the EU’s push for an independent defense industry while pledging to buy all military equipment from the US.
Analysts say delaying the tariffs gives the EU breathing room to fine-tune its approach and leverage future negotiations. As transatlantic trade talks evolve, all eyes will be on whether both sides can turn this six-month pause into durable progress.
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EU halts 93-bln-euro tariffs on U.S. goods despite members' dissent
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