Lawmakers in Strasbourg voted to eliminate tariffs on US industrial goods and to improve market access for US seafood and agricultural products. However, this applies only on condition that the US fully meets its obligations. In case of violations – such as renewed tariff hikes – EU concessions can be suspended again.
The parliament adopted the legislative proposal on industrial goods with 440 votes in favor, 151 against, and 50 abstentions. For the concessions on US seafood, 444 voted in favor, 152 against, and 54 abstained. A fixed expiration date is also set: December 31, 2029.
US Donald Trump had named July 4 – the US Independence Day – as the deadline for implementation. If the EU fails to deliver its part by then, Trump threatened significantly higher tariffs. The European Commission also rejected accusations that it is not doing enough to combat forced labor in imports.
The agreement also requires approval by the Council of Ministers to take effect. Representatives of EU member states and the parliament had agreed that the regulations should enter into force no later than July 4.
Source: www.volksfreund.de
