EU Parliament votes through contentious Turnberry US trade deal

The EU Parliament has ‘given a green light’ to a trade agreement with the US, which had courted controversy surrounding concerns over Europe committing to paying 15% export tariffs to America, writes Neill Barston.

Notably, the region’s key confectionery body, Caobisco, had urged nations within the region to accept the deal, largely on the grounds that it held the prospect of relative stability of transatlantic trade – which remains significant to the industry.

In a vote this afternoon in the EU Parliament, it approved to two legal acts implementing the EU’s customs commitments under the EU-US Joint Statement of August 2025. 

The outcome was not unanimous, with the draft regulations adopted in a vote of 440 in favour, 151 against, and 50 abstentions. Under the terms of the deal, tariffs on all industrial goods from the US are eliminated, and in addition, it is also granted preferential market access for market segments including agricultural products and seafood. There was also a secondary vote relating to lobster imports, which was passed by a similar number. 

Both proposals had previously been approved by Parliament and Council negotiators , who introduced several amendments that strengthen the Commission’s original proposal.

Notably, the main regulation on imports of industrial products and agri-food products will expire on 31 December 2029. By 30 June 2029, the Commission will carry out a thorough assessment of the trade effects of the regulation on EU industry, agriculture and SMEs. The assessment will also include changes in trade patterns with third countries. If necessary, a legislative proposal will be made to extend the regulation’s period of validity.
Steel and aluminium derivatives

In August 2025, the US added 407 product categories to the list of steel and aluminium derivatives subject to tariffs. Parliament considered that these new tariffs increased trade instability and called for the issue to be addressed in the main regulation.

As a result, the Commission will now be able to withdraw the tariff preferences if the US continues to levy tariffs above 15% on steel and aluminium derivatives from the EU after 31 December 2026. The Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council by 1 December 2026 on the tariff treatment of steel and aluminium derivatives.

Aafeguards
Furthermore, the EU Commission noted that it will be able to suspend the tariff preferences if the US does not address the EU’s concerns about the tariff treatment of European exports, which were subject to the 15% all-encompassing tariff ceiling until 24 February 2026.

Parliament and the Council have also agreed on a safeguard mechanism if US tariff preferences lead to such increased import volumes that they threaten to seriously damage EU industry, including agriculture. 

Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) , Chair of the Committee on International Trade and Standing Rapporteur for the US, believed the settlement was a positive outcome in the circumstances.

“Despite the pressure, Parliament stood by its commitments during these negotiations. Our determination has paid off and led to a stronger deal for European businesses and citizens, with significantly more robust safeguards than originally envisaged.”

“By translating the EU’s commitments in the Joint Statement into legislation, this regulation becomes part of the EU’s defensive toolbox: it not only strengthens and stabilises EU-US trade relations, but also gives the EU the possibility to act if the US does not live up to its part of the deal. Thanks to Parliament’s firm stance, the final text now contains a significantly stronger safety net, including a robust sunset clause, a sunset clause, a safeguard clause, improved scrutiny mechanisms and stronger democratic oversight.”

“Having the right tools is only half the job. Political will is also needed. We will continue to monitor the implementation of this agreement closely.”