As mentioned in our US customs team’s blog post, on July 12, US President Trump announced 30% tariffs on the E.U. and Mexico, now due to come into effect on August 1. This post focuses on the EU’s response.
On 15 April 2025, the European Commission formalized a 90-day suspension of additional tariffs on certain U.S.-originating products. These measures were part of the EU’s broader rebalancing strategy in response to the United States’ Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. The suspension, originally set to expire on 15 July 2025, was intended to provide a window for diplomatic engagement and potential resolution of the ongoing trade dispute (see our earlier blog on this suspension and the introduction of an additional package of measures: here).
In a coordinated move reflecting the evolving dynamics of transatlantic trade relations, the European Commission has now extended the suspension until 6 August 2025, as set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1446 (link). This extension signals the EU’s continued willingness to pursue a negotiated outcome and avoid escalation.
As the trade disputes continue to evolve and global trade appears to be in a more volatile state, we recommend that companies
- Review their supply chains,
- Determine options for optimization (such as restructuring of the supply chain, update classification and origin policies) and
- Revise and analyze (master) data.
Baker McKenzie closely monitors the developments and issues regular alerts accordingly – please also check our Import and Trade Remedies Blog and Looking Ahead: Business Impacts of the Trump Administration for regular updates and insight.
