The European Parliament approved a trade agreement that removes tariffs on American industrial goods and lobster and lowers levies on some U.S. agricultural products, though EU member states must still give final approval.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The European Parliament approved a major trade agreement with the United States on Tuesday, advancing a deal that President Donald Trump had pressed European leaders to complete before a July 4 deadline.
The agreement eliminates European tariffs on American industrial goods and lobster while reducing levies on other U.S. exports, including some agricultural products. Many European goods entering the United States will still face tariffs of 15% or more under the deal.
The vote came after months of delay over an agreement that was reached a year ago at Trump’s golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, the New York Times reported. Trump had grown frustrated with the pace of European approval and threatened much higher tariffs on European goods if the deal was not passed by July 4.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the vote showed the European Union was following through on its commitment.
“A deal is a deal, and the EU is delivering its part. With this milestone, we are days away from fulfilling our commitment to remove tariffs on imports of US industrial goods. With full implementation on both sides, our agreement will deliver even more benefits for citizens and businesses, ensuring strong and stable transatlantic trade and investment,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
The European Parliament’s approval does not make the deal final. Individual European Union member states must still approve the agreement before it officially takes effect. Tuesday’s vote, however, is expected to make those remaining approvals more straightforward.
The agreement marks a significant step in U.S.-EU trade relations after Trump used the threat of higher tariffs to push Brussels toward action. Supporters say the deal will expand access for American exporters while giving businesses on both sides of the Atlantic more certainty.
The remaining process now shifts to EU member governments, which must complete the final approvals before the tariff changes are implemented.
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