EU Politician Usakovs labels EU-US tariff accord as "minimal damage mitigation"
The European Union and the United States have reached a tariff agreement in July 2025, a move aimed at averting a potential trade war. However, the accord has sparked mixed reactions and criticisms, particularly in Europe.
Nils Usakov, a member of the European Parliament, has voiced his reservations about the agreement, describing it as the least possible harm. He expressed doubts about the success of the EU's foreign policy and foreign trade policy towards the US and China, and raised concerns that the deal may not sufficiently protect key European sectors such as the automotive industry.
One of the main criticisms of the agreement is that it allegedly favors the United States. The deal imposes a 15% tariff rate on EU goods, including autos, while expecting the EU to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and expand market access for U.S. agricultural products. This has raised concerns that European exporters may be harmed while U.S. industries benefit.
Moreover, the agreement's linkage to large U.S. energy exports to Europe, valued at $750 billion through 2028, has raised environmental and geopolitical concerns among EU stakeholders. This is especially true in the context of reducing reliance on adversarial energy sources.
However, the U.S. administration has generally been positive about the agreement. The White House describes it as part of President Trump's strategy to establish balanced trade, emphasizing significant EU investments in the U.S., opportunities to reduce trade deficits, and improved market access for American exports.
The EU and U.S. characterize the Framework Agreement as a concrete step toward fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade relations. They recognize each other's concerns and plan further expansions of the agreement's scope over time.
Despite the criticism, Usakov has stated that any result negotiated with Washington in the current circumstances can be considered a success story. He also noted that no one can be sure that any agreements made with Washington will not be changed in the future.
The accord has drawn stinging criticism from some European capitals and industries. Usakov has called on EU leaders to broaden their skills to defend the continent's interests more successfully. He also noted that EU leaders have no special competence in cooperation with statesmen like US President Donald Trump or Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
In conclusion, while the agreement is hailed officially as a major trade breakthrough promoting reciprocal openness and investment, it has met with skepticism primarily in Europe regarding tariff impacts on EU industries and broader strategic implications. This reflects ongoing tensions in balancing trade liberalization with protecting domestic sectors within transatlantic relations.
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