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European Parliament committee moves to cut US tariffs, averting a trade clash
The committee vote moves the EU closer to implementing a trade deal that covers industrial goods, farm produce and seafood, with 31 members in favor.
On Tuesday, The European Parliament committee voted 31-6-3 to remove import duties on Washington goods, advancing legislation to implement last year's trade agreement and avert transatlantic tariff conflict.
The legislation implements a framework agreed at President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland last July, designed to stabilize the $2 trillion annual trade relationship despite Washington tariff pressures.
This package preserves zero duties for lobsters while accepting 15% Washington tariffs on European goods, addressing Trump's warning of "much higher" tariffs if commitments remain unmet by July 4.
Lawmakers inserted clauses to suspend concessions if the Washington president reneges on the deal and to terminate the agreement at the end of 2029 unless renewed by further legislation.
The measure moves to The European Parliament for a mid-June vote, though The Trump administration stated it will review whether the amendments comply with the original agreement.
The EU and the US are defusing their trade conflict. The competent committee of the European Parliament clears the way for zero tariffs. In return, President Trump lowers import charges on certain metals.