Delay in Trump's Tariff Implementation: Tariffs on EU Imports Now Postponed - Delay in enforcement of Trump-imposed tariffs on European imports
The United States has delayed the implementation of customs duties on EU imports, with the new tariffs now set to take effect on August 7th. This decision follows a series of negotiations between the European Commission and the White House, resulting in a 15% tariff rate on European goods, down from the previously threatened 27.5%.
The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has welcomed this agreement as it provides stability and protects fundamental interests amid the risk of much higher tariffs. The Commission views the deal as a pragmatic compromise, avoiding a no-deal scenario that would have severely impacted the EU's export-driven economy, particularly the automotive sector.
Germany, represented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has also welcomed the trade agreement. While a full tariff relief would have been preferable, the deal provides a pragmatic compromise to protect Germany’s economic interests. Other EU Member States have backed the deal with some reservations, emphasizing ongoing sector-specific concerns.
Meanwhile, if the EU-U.S. trade negotiations fail and the U.S. proceeds with higher tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the EU Commission has adopted countermeasures in the form of additional customs duties on U.S. products and export restrictions on certain EU products to the U.S. These EU countermeasures, planned to take effect August 7th, represent the largest ever trade countermeasures by the EU, covering about €93 billion worth of U.S. products.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment with the new customs duties but reiterated Canada's commitment to the free trade agreement between the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Elsewhere, the White House imposed a 10% tariff on Brazil due to alleged trade deficits.
The tariffs will be at a rate of 15%, a rate that also applies to Norway, Iceland, Israel, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, and Japan. The delay in implementing the tariffs gives traders, customs agents, and customers time to adjust to the new rules.
The UK has a tariff rate of 10%, lower than the new rate for EU imports. The US President has more time to potentially close more deals with other countries in the US's favor due to the delay.
The tariffs were expected to come into effect on August 1st, but were delayed by one week. On Thursday, appellate judges held a hearing to discuss the legality of many of these customs duties. Trump had previously announced the tariffs would come into effect on August 1st via his Truth Social platform. However, the EU Commission did not publicly criticize the delayed implementation of the US tariffs.
The delay in the implementation of the tariffs has created a period of adaptation to the new systems and requirements, as stated by German Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche. The future tariff cap of 15 percent, as stated by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, is expected to strengthen stability for businesses and trust in the transatlantic economy.
Sources: [1] European Commission Press Release, "EU adopts countermeasures in response to US tariffs and prepares for World Trade Organization dispute settlement," July 29, 2025. [2] Reuters, "EU-U.S. trade deal: What's in it for Germany's carmakers?," July 27, 2025. [3] Financial Times, "EU and US agree on tariff level for car imports under trade deal," July 27, 2025.
- The European Commission, in cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, is supporting the deal as it provides stability and protects fundamental interests, considering the risk of higher tariffs due to war-and-conflicts and political policy-and-legislation.
- Germany, cooperating with other EU Member States, has welcomed the trade agreement, acknowledging the deal as a pragmatic compromise to protect its economic interests amid concerns about car-accidents, fires, and crimes in justice.
- The EU Commission, in cooperation with Eastern European countries, has prepared countermeasures in response to potential higher tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which include additional customs duties on US products and export restrictions on certain EU products.
- The tariffs, along with general-news about cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and other countries, have implications for sectors such as migration and accidents, requiring businesses to adapt to new systems and requirements.
- The UK, cooperating with Central and Eastern Europe, has a lower tariff rate compared to the new rate for EU imports, potentially offering an advantage to British businesses in the transatlantic economy.
