BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s executive arm has demanded “full clarity” from the United States following a significant ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that invalidated some of former President Donald Trump’s most extensive tariffs. In light of this, the EU is urging the U.S. to meet its trade commitments as outlined in previous agreements.
Trump has reacted strongly to the court's decision, expressing his desire for a global tariff of 15%, increasing from the 10% he proposed the day before. This push for higher tariffs indicates a continuing strain in U.S.-EU trade relations, amid calls for a more structured and predictable trade environment.
The European Commission underscored that the current situation is detrimental to establishing “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” trans-Atlantic trade and investment, as reaffirmed in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement from August 2025. This statement reflects the commitment of both parties to maintain a stable and equitable trading partnership.
In a recent trade deal finalized last year, a 15% import tax was introduced for 70% of European goods entering the United States. The European Commission is tasked with managing trade for all 27 member countries of the EU and has expressed its concerns over the recent developments.
Following the Supreme Court ruling, Bernd Lange, the chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, announced plans to recommend a pause in the ratification process of the recent trade deal. He characterized the U.S. administration's approach as “pure tariff chaos,” pointing to an atmosphere filled with uncertainty for the EU and other trading partners.
According to Eurostat, the trade value between the EU and the U.S. reached an impressive €1.7 trillion ($2 trillion) in 2024, averaging around €4.6 billion daily. The European Commission reminded the U.S., as its largest trading partner, of the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon commitments, emphasizing that EU products should receive the most competitive treatment without any tariff hikes beyond previously established caps.
Jamieson Greer, who served as Trump’s chief trade negotiator, affirmed in a CBS News interview that the U.S. intends to uphold its trade agreements and anticipates that its partners will do likewise. He mentioned ongoing discussions with his European counterparts and stated that there has been no indication that the trade deal is in jeopardy.
Europe's main exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, automobiles, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and wines. Conversely, the U.S. primarily exports professional and scientific services, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, aerospace products, and cars to the EU.
The European Commission added that unpredictable tariffs can cause significant disruptions, undermining confidence and stability across global markets while intensifying uncertainty in international supply chains. As a collective trading bloc, the EU possesses an influential defensive tool — the Anti-Coercion Instrument, which enables it to impose restrictions on trade and investment from countries exerting undue pressure on EU entities.
This framework may encompass limitations on the export and import of goods and services, prohibition from participation in EU public tenders, or limitations on foreign direct investments. Should the EU resort to the most severe measures, this could effectively shut down access to its 450 million consumer market, resulting in substantial financial ramifications for U.S. corporations and the broader American economy.
