EU lawmakers to freeze US trade deal after Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs
France 24 Europe
by FRANCE 24February 23, 2026
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The European Parliament has decided to pause its approval of a significant trade agreement with the United States following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated many of President Donald Trump's tariffs. The decision comes as lawmakers seek clarity on how the court’s ruling impacts the deal, which was finalized last year and included 15% tariffs on most European goods. The suspension is seen as an effort to navigate the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s new 15% global tariffs, which are set to take effect this week but may face challenges if Congress does not extend them within 150 days.
European Union officials expressed concern over the potential overlap of the new tariffs with existing "most favored nation" duties, which could result in higher overall tariffs on EU goods. Experts warn that this could increase tariffs on manufactured goods to around 17-18%, exceeding the originally agreed 15%. The delay in implementing the trade deal reflects the bloc’s cautious approach amid the legal and political uncertainty caused by the Supreme Court’s decision. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer assured partners that existing agreements, including those with China and the EU, remain in place for now.
The situation highlights the growing unpredictability of US trade policy under Trump. The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively limits his ability to impose tariffs without congressional approval, though he has already vowed to continue using alternative legal avenues. This development could have broader implications for global trade relations, with China urging the US to reconsider its unilateral tariff measures. European officials are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for clarity before proceeding further with the transatlantic deal.
This pause in the EU-US trade agreement underscores the fragility of international trade negotiations in the face of shifting political and legal landscapes. The delay not only impacts economic ties between the two regions but also raises questions about the stability of
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/23/2026