The European Union is set to urge the United States to implement key aspects of their transatlantic trade deal, including a reduction of steel tariffs, during high‑level talks in Brussels. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with EU trade ministers to discuss the agreement struck in July, which established a 15 percent U.S. levy on most EU exports. Both sides are now seeking additional trade concessions.
The EU is pushing for the United States to lower its 50 percent duties on steel and aluminum, while the United States is demanding that the EU roll back its green and digital rules. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic emphasized the need for further work, particularly on steel and derivatives, where the EU seeks to reduce tariffs and address global overcapacity. In August, the United States added 407 product types to its list of steel and aluminum “derivative products” subject to higher tariffs. Nevertheless, Sefcovic downplayed expectations of a breakthrough, describing the talks as a “stock‑taking exercise.”
The EU is also seeking a broader “metals alliance” with the United States to protect their economies from Chinese overcapacity. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen sees the talks as an opportunity to discuss stabilising trade relations between Europe and the United States, as well as common challenges such as the global trade system and China. Some EU ministers have prioritised the steel issue; Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stressed the need for a normal agreement on steel and aluminum.
The discussions will focus on implementing the joint statement agreed upon in August, including reducing steel tariffs to 15 percent. Although this specific figure was not mentioned in the August text, the EU is seeking steel import quotas in its talks with U.S. officials. The outcome will be crucial for shaping the future of transatlantic trade relations and addressing the common challenges faced by the EU and the United States.
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