The European Parliament’s International Trade Committee has adopted its position on two legislative proposals implementing key tariff aspects of the EU–US Turnberry trade deal. The proposals, approved by a clear majority, aim to eliminate most tariffs on industrial and agricultural goods imported from the United States.
The committee introduced a series of safeguards to ensure balance in the agreement. According to rapporteur Bernd Lange, Parliament is determined to maintain a strong role in overseeing the deal and will not take a final decision without full clarity on its implementation.
Key provisions include a strengthened suspension clause, allowing the EU to halt tariff preferences if the US imposes trade measures affecting EU interests, as well as a “sunrise clause”, under which tariff reductions would only take effect once US commitments are fully respected.
Additional conditions address tariffs on EU products containing steel or aluminium, requiring reductions before the agreement can be implemented. These measures complement existing safeguards, including provisions on steel and aluminium, standstill arrangements, and protective mechanisms against sudden tariff increases.
The proposals will be put to a vote in the European Parliament plenary on 26 March, after which negotiations with EU Member States will begin on the final shape of the legislation.
The Turnberry agreement, reached in 2025, aims to strengthen transatlantic trade relations while providing greater predictability for businesses on both sides.