Council of EU gives final approval to tariff measures under EU-U.S. trade deal

The Council of the European Union (EU) on Thursday formally adopted regulations implementing tariff-related measures under the EU-U.S. trade deal.

According to a statement released by the council, the move aims to support a stable, predictable and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade relationship while maintaining safeguards to protect European economic interests.

Under the newly adopted regulations, the EU will remove remaining customs duties on U.S. industrial goods and grant preferential access for certain U.S. seafood and non-sensitive agricultural products through tariff rate quotas and reduced tariffs.

The Council of the EU is committed to a strong and open transatlantic partnership with its historic ally, but openness must go hand in hand with safeguarding its interests, said Michael Damianos, Cyprus' minister of energy, commerce and industry, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

The measures would "ensure the EU can respond swiftly and proportionately when the deal is not respected, or its interests are at stake," Damianos said.

The regulations enable the EU to suspend tariff preferences if the U.S. fails to respect its commitments, undermines the objectives of the joint statement, or disrupts balanced trade relations, including through discriminatory measures.

The regulations will now be signed and published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force the day after publication.

The main regulation will apply until the end of 2029. The European Commission will submit a comprehensive assessment of its impact on EU-U.S. trade flows, tariff revenues and economic effects by June 30, 2029, along with a possible legislative proposal to extend the measures.

The EU and the U.S. reached a trade agreement in July 2025. Its approval within the EU was delayed for months amid strained transatlantic relations, including tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump's demands regarding Greenland and legal uncertainty surrounding the U.S. administration's sweeping tariff policy.

Council of EU gives final approval to tariff measures under EU-U.S. trade deal

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Beijing on Thursday.

Noting that China-Austria bilateral ties have maintained sound and steady development on the whole over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the most valuable experience guiding bilateral ties lies in mutual respect and equality. He added that the most effective approach is openness, inclusiveness as well as mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

The China-Austria friendly strategic partnership fully proves that countries varying in size, social system and civilization can forge sound friendship and partnerships, said Wang.

Wang said China congratulates Austria on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and China stands ready to step up communication and coordination with Austria to jointly uphold the authority of the UN.

Wang said China and Europe are partners instead of rivals, and China's development represents opportunities for Europe rather than a challenge. China appreciates Austria's rational and pragmatic China policy and hopes Austria will continue to play a constructive role in advancing China-Europe ties, he added.

Meinl-Reisinger said that Austria attaches great importance to developing bilateral ties with China, remains committed to the one-China policy, and stands ready to take the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to step up strategic dialogue with China and expand all-round cooperation covering trade, investment and green development.

Austria is prepared to support candid China-Europe dialogue to advance the sound and steady growth of China-Europe ties, she added.

Chinese FM meets Austrian counterpart