BRUSSELS — The European Union expects the U.S. to put in place relevant laws to lock in the “across-the-board ceiling of 15 percent” agreed last Sunday, its executive Commission said on Thursday.
Friday, the first day of August, represents a major deadline in the EU-U.S. tariff talks, with President Donald Trump threatening 30 percent tariffs just two weeks ago if no deal is reached.
“It is the clear understanding of the European Union that the U.S. will implement the agreed, across-the-board tariff ceiling of 15 percent,” the Commission’s trade spokesperson Olof Gill told a news briefing.
“The U.S. has made these commitments,” Gill added. “Now, it’s up to the U.S. to implement them. The ball is in their court.”
Brussels and Washington are finalizing a joint statement to formalize the political deal that Trump struck with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
The EU expects that the White House will issue executive orders to solidify the agreements.
“As of tomorrow, we will have the immediate tariff relief we have worked so hard to achieve,” Gill also said.
The EU has not yet adjusted its retaliatory tariffs on €93 bln of U.S. goods which are still due to enter force from Aug. 7. Gill made clear that these would be further suspended “if everything proceeds as expected.” In that, eventuality, a six-month suspension is planned, EU diplomats have said.
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