According to the BBC, although a preliminary deal was reached ahead of President Donald Trump’s 1 August deadline, European diplomats say the agreement is far from complete. Several member states are concerned about the economic fallout, particularly in industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
The tariffs, originally expected to take effect on 1 August, have now been delayed by a week to 7 August 2025 to allow further negotiations.
Growing backlash in Europe
The BBC reports that while many in Europe were initially relieved to avoid the 30% tariffs threatened by Trump months ago, the mood has since soured. EU officials say some countries will bear a disproportionate share of the burden, and critical details – such as which goods will be exempt - have yet to be finalised.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the deal as a “difficult but better-than-war compromise,” warning that Poland alone could lose up to 8 billion PLN (€1.87 billion) under the current terms - down from an estimated 15 billion PLN (€3.5 billion) had Trump’s original proposals gone ahead.
“These tariffs may be lower than what Trump proposed in April, but this is no cause for celebration,” Tusk said. “The losses will be painful on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Strategic goods spared, but EU commits to major spending
Under the tentative agreement, strategic goods - such as microchip manufacturing equipment and select raw materials - will continue to benefit from pre-Trump tariff rates. However, car parts, pharmaceutical products, and electronics may face higher duties unless exempted in the final text.
In exchange for limited tariff relief, the European Union has committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of U.S. energy exports over the next three years and investing $600 billion in the U.S. economy by 2029. Some tariffs on American goods - including nuts, processed seafood, and selected chemicals - will also be lifted.
More talks ahead
Brussels and Washington have confirmed that negotiations will continue, focusing on removing non-tariff barriers and aligning metal industry regulations. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing new tariffs on goods from dozens of countries - including 41% on Syrian imports and 35% on Canadian products.
Sweeping new tariff rates were announced just hours before a deadline set for countries to strike trade deals.
Opublikowany przez BBC News Czwartek, 31 lipca 2025
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Source: PR24/BBC/X/@donaldtusk/@PR24_pl