EU, US lay out next steps on tariffs to rebalance trade ties

The US and European Union (EU) took the next steps to formalize their trade pact, detailing plans that could reduce tariffs on European automobiles within weeks while opening the door to new potential discounts for steel and aluminum.

- JENNIFER A DLOUHY & ALBERTO NARDELLI

The joint statement issued on Thursday advances the preliminary deal announced a month ago, by including specific benchmarks for the EU to secure its promised sectoral tariff discounts on cars, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, as well as new commitments to cooperate on economic security matters, food standards and digital trade.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised the sweeping US-EU trade framework, extolling it as "a big deal" in a Monday White House meeting with foreign leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The deal provides predictability and "delivers for our citizens and companies, and strengthens transatlantic relations," von der Leyen said in a post on the social-media platform X.