EU seeks US tariff relief on aluminium, steel under Turnberry trade deal

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The European Commission has submitted an extensive list of export products to the United States, seeking lower import tariffs or full exemptions as both the European Union and the US continue implementing the Turnberry trade agreement reached last summer.

Under the Turnberry tariff deal, EU eliminated its remaining tariffs on US industrial goods from July 1, while the US would maintain a 15 per cent tariff ceiling on most European exports.

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The Turnberry agreement framework also allows the European Commission to suspend tariff preferences if the US continues to impose duties exceeding 15 per cent on EU aluminium and steel derivative products beyond the agreed timeline of December 31, 2026.

The legislation further includes safeguard mechanisms allowing Brussels to respond if preferential trade results in import surges that threaten European industries.

Aluminium remains a key priority

Although the agreement resolved tariffs on a broad range of industrial products, negotiations are continuing over aluminium, steel and select related products, which remain subject to US duties of up to 50 per cent, depending on the product category.

A European Commission spokesperson said that discussions on these sectors have advanced, with both sides exploring opportunities to reduce or eliminate tariffs where it is mutually beneficial.

According to the Commission, the objective is to identify as many products as possible that could qualify for lower duties or complete tariff exemptions, in line with the commitments outlined in the joint statement accompanying last year's agreement.

The Commission noted that the proposal was developed in consultation with EU member states, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and industry representatives to reflect the bloc's trade priorities.

The EU has declined to confirm the specific products included in the list.

Nonetheless, officials emphasised that both Brussels and Washington are mutually committed to advancing the negotiations, intending to deliver benefits for exporters, including those in the aluminium and steel businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

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