The European Union is racing to give President Donald Trump what he wants — wiping out tariffs on US industrial goods in a last-minute push to keep its prized car exports flowing to America, according to a report.
Brussels is set to fast-track legislation this week eliminating those duties after Trump demanded the move as a condition for lowering US tariffs on European automobiles, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News.
The plan also throws in sweeteners for Washington, including preferential tariff rates on seafood and farm products.
EU officials concede the deal tilts in Trump’s favor, but say the tradeoff is needed to give companies stability after years of tariff threats and regulatory fights.
“It’s a strong, if not perfect deal,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday.
The rush comes as Trump is still threatening fresh penalties on countries that tax online services — a clear shot at Europe’s digital rules targeting US tech giants like Google and Apple.
European cars and parts currently face a punishing 27.5% tariff when shipped to the US. Under the new arrangement, most EU goods would see duties fall to 15%.
But Trump has refused to extend that break to cars until Brussels moves to axe its industrial tariffs.
If the EU delivers by the end of the month, the 15% tariff on European autos will be applied retroactively to Aug. 1 — critical for Germany, the bloc’s auto powerhouse, which shipped $34.9 billion worth of cars and parts to the US last year.
To meet Trump’s deadline, the European Commission will bypass its usual impact assessment, an almost unheard-of step in EU policymaking, underscoring the urgency of the push.
The maneuver highlights how much leverage Trump has gained over the bloc, forcing it to bend in hopes of securing a fragile truce in the long-running trade war.
But with Trump still dangling new threats over tech taxes, even Brussels’ sprint may only buy temporary peace.
The US and EU are the world’s largest trading partners, exchanging more than $1.8 trillion in goods and services last year. Germany alone shipped nearly $35 billion in cars and parts across the Atlantic.
Trump has repeatedly wielded tariffs as a weapon, hitting European steel, aluminum and luxury goods since his first term.
His July framework agreement with von der Leyen sketched out the outlines of the emerging deal: Washington would lower tariffs on nearly all European goods to 15% if Brussels dropped its industrial duties and opened its markets wider to US exports.
As part of that pact, the EU also pledged massive energy purchases and fresh investment in the American economy — commitments critics argue tilt heavily toward US priorities.
Still, the car industry remains the flashpoint. Automobiles are one of Europe’s most valuable exports, yet Trump has insisted they remain under higher duties until Brussels acts fully on his terms.
That hardball stance has fueled anger among European manufacturers, with German business groups warning the bloc is ceding too much ground.
The broader fight over digital policy looms large.
Trump has warned of fresh retaliation against governments that impose online service taxes, a veiled reference to EU laws aimed at curbing the dominance of US tech giants.
That clash over digital sovereignty ensures that even as Brussels races to cut tariffs, another showdown with Washington may be just around the corner.
The Post has sought comment from the White House and the European Commission.
Credit: Source link
