The EU Council gave its final approval to the bloc and US steel and aluminum trade deal on June 25, clearing the way for the deal to take effect before the July 4 deadline set by US President Donald Trump.
The Council formally adopted two regulations implementing the tariff-related commitments set out in the EU-US Joint Statement of Aug. 21, 2025.
The two regulations will now be signed and published in the Official Journal, entering into force on the day following their publication.
The agreement strengthens oversight of steel and aluminum trade flows between the two economic blocs by empowering the European Commission to suspend tariff preferences if the US continues applying tariff rates above 15% on EU steel and aluminum derivatives.
The main regulation will cease to apply at the end of 2029. By June 30, 2029, the Commission will present a comprehensive assessment of their impact on EU-US trade flows, tariff revenue and economic effects, including on SMEs, and will accompany it with a legislative proposal to extend the application of the regulations, where appropriate.
Author: Annalisa Villa
