• Salah Abdullah Al-attar - Editor-in-Chief

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The European Union and the United States have signed a trade agreement that includes a unified tariff rate of 15 percent..

The announcement comes just days before the expiration of a deadline set by Trump, which would have seen tariffs doubled had no agreement been reached.

Von der Leyen stated in a press release: "The EU and the U.S. have reached a comprehensive agreement on tariffs and trade," noting that the deal between the world’s two largest economies "forms a second pillar strengthening the Atlantic partnership, just weeks after the NATO summit." She emphasized that the agreement provides "stability and certainty in turbulent times" for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

She explained that "the agreement sets a uniform 15% tariff on the majority of EU exports, covering key sectors such as automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals," adding that "this rate serves as a clear, comprehensive ceiling with no additional layers, ensuring full transparency for investors and businesses."

Von der Leyen further noted that "both sides have also agreed to eliminate tariffs (zero-for-zero) on a range of strategic products, including aircraft, spare parts, certain chemicals, generic drugs, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, selected agricultural products, natural resources, and critical raw materials." She indicated that "work will continue to expand this list."

Regarding steel and aluminum, von der Leyen acknowledged the shared challenge of global overcapacity. She stated that the EU and the U.S. would cooperate to ensure fair global competition while reducing bilateral trade barriers through tariff reductions and a quota system.

On energy, she said "the EU will enhance cooperation with the U.S. by diversifying its supply sources, including purchases of American LNG, crude oil, and nuclear fuel, as part of a broader plan to replace Russian supplies."

She also highlighted that "U.S. AI chips will power Europe’s large-scale AI factories, helping the U.S. maintain its technological edge."

Von der Leyen stressed that "this agreement ensures the immediate lifting of tariffs, giving businesses the confidence to plan and invest, while securing stable access to the EU’s largest export market. In return, U.S. products gain better access to the European market, benefiting EU consumers and boosting the competitiveness of European firms."

She added that the deal provides "a framework for further tariff reductions, addressing non-tariff barriers, and enhancing economic security cooperation," underscoring that "EU-U.S. collaboration delivers tangible benefits for both sides."

Von der Leyen thanked President Trump for "his personal commitment and leadership in achieving this breakthrough," calling him "a tough negotiator but a dealmaker."