Newyork (The COW News Digital) The European Commission on Sunday called on Washington to respect the terms of last year’s trade agreement with the European Union after US President Donald Trump announced fresh global tariff increases.
In a statement, the Commission stressed that “a deal is a deal,” emphasizing that as the United States’ largest trading partner, the EU expects Washington to uphold its commitments outlined in the Joint Statement agreed upon last year. The EU reiterated that it would also continue to meet its own obligations.
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The appeal came after Trump temporarily raised import duties to 15 percent on Saturday, a move that followed a Supreme Court decision limiting his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The ruling found significant portions of his global tariff policy unlawful, creating uncertainty about the future of existing trade arrangements.
The EU and US had previously agreed to cap tariffs on most European goods at 15 percent. Brussels warned that EU exports must not face rates exceeding the ceiling already negotiated, adding that unpredictable tariffs risk destabilizing global markets and disrupting international supply chains.
Seeking clarification, the Commission said it had requested detailed information on how Washington intends to respond to the court ruling. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic held discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over the weekend to assess the situation.
Greer, speaking to CBS, maintained that trade agreements with the EU, China, and other partners remain valid despite the court’s decision. He expressed confidence that both sides would continue to honor their commitments.
However, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said she was uncertain about the legal and economic consequences of the ruling and hoped further clarification would emerge soon.
Within the European Parliament, concerns have mounted. Bernd Lange, head of the parliament’s trade committee, indicated he would push to suspend legislative approval of the EU-US trade deal until a comprehensive legal review is conducted and firm assurances are received from Washington.
Analysts at ING suggested that while Trump’s new tariffs could face further legal challenges, they might also serve as a temporary tactic while alternative trade measures are explored. Potential options could include tariffs based on alleged unfair trade practices or breaches of trade agreements.
The Supreme Court’s decision marked a significant setback for Trump’s economic agenda, challenging one of his central trade policies and injecting renewed uncertainty into global commerce. Several countries have since indicated they are reviewing both the court’s judgment and the latest tariff announcements before determining their next steps.
