EU commissioner: Tariff negotiations with US 'advancing in right direction'

4 June 2025

Negotiations between the European Union and the United States on trade tariffs are “moving in the right direction”, European Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said on Wednesday, following a meeting with US Traderepresentative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of an OECD ministerial summit in Paris.

In a brief statement, Šefčovič described the talks as “productive and constructive". “We’re advancing in the right direction at pace - and staying in close contact to maintain the momentum,” he said.

The meeting comes in the wake of the US decision to double tariffs on European steel and aluminium imports from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Additional tariffs of 25 per cent apply to cars and car parts, and most other products face a 10 per cent tariff. A planned “reciprocal” EU tariff of 20 per cent remains on hold pending the outcome of negotiations.

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Earlier this week, a European Commission spokesperson reiterated the EU’s “strong regret” over Washington’s tariff hike, saying it undermined “ongoing efforts” to reach a negotiated solution.

Industry groups have echoed these concerns. Eurofer, the European steel industry association, called on both sides to quickly reach an agreement. The higher tariffs, it said, amount to an import ban: “Even the most competitive and highest quality steel products in Europe are being priced out of the market.”

Beer exports

The impact is already being felt beyond the steel industry. Belgian brewery Huyghe, best known for its Delirium Tremens beer, warned that it may have to halt exports to the US altogether. It exports approximately 25,000 hectolitres of beer to the US every year, generating a turnover of 12 million dollars.

If the talks fail to yield progress, the EU is prepared to launch countermeasures before the current pause ends on 14 July. These would include import duties on 21 billion euros worth of US goods - already approved by EU member states - as well as up to 95 billion euros in additional tariffs still under discussion.