European Union negotiators are expected to reach an agreement on Tuesday, May 19, to remove import duties on US goods, in line with a trade deal concluded with the United States last year, as Brussels seeks to avoid the imposition of significantly higher tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump.


Under the agreement, reached at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland in July last year, the EU committed to eliminating import duties on US industrial goods and granting preferential access to US agricultural and seafood products. In return, the United States agreed to impose tariffs of 15% on most EU exports.


Nearly ten months after the deal was struck, the European Parliament and the Council, which represent EU member states, have yet to finalise the required legislation for the duty reductions to take effect. The main point of contention remains the inclusion of safeguards in case the United States fails to uphold its commitments.


Negotiators from both institutions were scheduled to meet for what was expected to be a final round of talks starting at 9:00 p.m. (1900 GMT). EU lawmakers involved in the discussions expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached late Tuesday or early Wednesday.


Trump has set a July 4 deadline for the EU to implement its obligations under the deal, warning that failure to do so could result in significantly higher tariffs on EU goods, including automobiles. He had previously threatened to raise tariffs on EU car imports to 25% from the current 15%.


The legislative process has already faced delays, with EU lawmakers twice pausing progress amid Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on European allies that did not support his proposed acquisition of Greenland, as well as following a US Supreme Court decision that struck down his global tariffs.


If negotiators reach a deal, the EU is expected to meet the July 4 deadline, with a final approval vote in the European Parliament anticipated in mid-June.


Members of the European Parliament are pushing for stronger safeguards, including a “sunrise clause” that would condition EU tariff reductions on US compliance, provisions allowing the suspension of the deal if Washington breaches its terms, and a “sunset clause” that would terminate EU tariff concessions on March 31, 2028.


However, EU governments have shown less support for such measures, concerned that they could antagonise the Trump administration and create uncertainty for European businesses.


By Tamilla Hasanova