US, Feb 23 : The European Union has urged the United States to uphold its trade commitments and provide “full clarity” after the US announced a 15 per cent global tariff following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
In a statement, the EU stressed that the current tariff situation “is not conducive to delivering fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade,” as outlined in the EU-US Joint Statement of August 2025.
“A deal is a deal. As the United States’ largest trading partner, the EU expects the US to honour its commitments – just as the EU stands by its obligations,” the bloc said, highlighting its insistence on legal certainty and predictability for EU exporters and companies.
Concern Over Tariff Increases
The EU reiterated that tariffs should not exceed the previously agreed 15 per cent ceiling for most goods, with certain items like aircraft and spare parts remaining exempt. Officials warned that unpredictable tariff hikes drive up costs for both businesses and consumers while disrupting international supply chains.
“EU products must continue to receive the most competitive treatment. Uncertainty undermines confidence and stability across global markets,” the statement said.
Ongoing Dialogue Between EU and US
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic recently spoke with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the situation. The diplomatic engagement underscores Brussels’ commitment to protecting its economic interests while seeking predictability in transatlantic trade relations.
The tariffs followed a Supreme Court decision that struck down the Trump administration’s earlier use of IEEPA to levy broad based import taxes, affirming that only Congress holds primary authority to impose such levies.