EU freezes US trade deal over tariffs uncertainty
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The European Union has paused its trade deal negotiations with the United States due to uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump's new 15% tariffs. This decision comes after a recent US Supreme Court ruling invalidated many of Trump's previous global tariffs, prompting concerns over how this might impact the EU-US agreement. The European Parliament had planned to vote on removing import duties on American industrial goods as part of the deal, but the vote has been delayed until more clarity is provided by Washington.
The EU-US trade deal, agreed upon last July, aimed to set a maximum 15% tariff on most European imports into the US while also reducing barriers for American goods in Europe. However, Trump's new tariffs, which took effect on Tuesday and could remain in place for up to 150 days unless extended by Congress, have cast doubt over the agreement. European officials are worried that these tariffs might lead to higher levies on certain products beyond the agreed-upon cap.
The delay marks the latest setback in a process that has seen multiple interruptions. Earlier this month, Trump had threatened additional tariffs on European allies opposing his efforts to acquire Greenland, further straining transatlantic relations. Now, EU lawmakers are waiting for March 4 to reassess whether Washington has provided sufficient clarification. The situation highlights growing tensions between the two largest economic powers and raises concerns about global trade stability.
Germany, a key player in the EU, is actively working with its partners to address the uncertainty. Berlin expects the US to尽快 clarify its tariff policy and hopes for a swift resolution to avoid further disruptions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has hinted at using the EU's "trade bazooka" as a final option if necessary, though he remains optimistic about reaching an agreement without resorting to such measures.
The ongoing trade dispute underscores the delicate balance of interests between the US and Europe, with both sides seeking to protect their economic and political priorities.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026