The chair of the EU Trade Committee, Bernd Lange of the SPD, voiced doubts about whether the EU will approve a cut in tariffs on U.S. industrial goods on Monday. “Even if we decide on the tariff cuts on Monday – something I’m not yet convinced of – the European Parliament can only vote as early as February” he told POLITICO’s industry‑and‑trade newsletter.
Last summer the EU promised the United States duty‑free access for its goods in a trade deal. The vote on the tariff cut was put on hold this week because President Donald Trump had introduced tentative Greenland tariffs, which stalled the decision. At a special summit on Thursday, the European Commission said it would resume implementation of the agreement once the Greenland tariffs were cancelled.
Lange says more clarification is still needed. “The political groups still have different views on why we should lower the tariff rates to zero when the steel tariffs haven’t even been negotiated” he explained. “Motor manufacturers tell us they don’t understand this and will be sure to pay the 50 % tariffs. We can’t explain to them that Harley‑Davidson will arrive in Europe with zero duty shortly”.
After the Parliament makes its decision-at the earliest in February-a trilogue negotiation involving the European Council and the Commission must follow. “We can’t do this at ICE speed” Lange warned. He forecasts that the tariff cuts would take effect no earlier than April or May.