HOW WAS THE SUSPENSION ENACTED?
On 14 July 2025, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1446, officially published in the Official Journal of the EU. It enforces the suspension of additional customs duties tied to earlier implementing acts:
All these duties, targeting US-origin goods, will remain suspended until 6 August 2025, as an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2023/2882.
Previously, on 14 April 2025, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2025/786, suspending the same duties from 15 April to 14 July 2025, also modifying Regulation (EU) 2023/2882.
WHY NOW?
In turn, the US extended its own pause on reciprocal tariffs by issuing an executive order on 7 July, maintaining the 90-day suspension of additional ad valorem tariffs - such as a 20% levy on EU imports - until 1 August 2025.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
US tariffs on the EU were introduced under Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act, targeting imports of steel and aluminum.
The EU’s countermeasures, applying extra duties potentially impacting approximately 21 billion EUR worth of US exports, are being deferred to foster negotiation.
The US has threatened 30% tariffs on EU goods starting 1 August 2025, pending no deal by then.
The EU has emphasized that negotiation remains its preferred route, though it continues preparing further retaliatory measures should talks fail.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
The temporary respite prolongs a diplomatic window, allowing both sides to avoid immediate economic escalation.
High-profile sectors like German automotive and Irish pharmaceuticals face direct risks if tariffs are enforced, with EU GDP estimates being dented by 0.3%–0.4% in worst-case scenarios.
US "reciprocal" tariffs have triggered legal challenges. In late May 2025, two federal courts ruled some tariffs exceeded presidential authority, though those rulings are stayed pending appeal, preserving the tariffs until early August.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR NEXT?
- Will EU-US trade talks gain traction by 1 August, when the US tariff pause expires?
- Can the 6 August EU deadline yield a reciprocal agreement, or will fresh tariffs be retaliated?
- Ongoing legal adjudication in US courts may further shift tariff legality and enforcement.
If you're a business owner that is impacted by these tariffs, here's what you can do:
👉 Importers/Exporters: Stay informed on deadlines - 1 August (US) and 6 August (EU) - and prepare contingency plans for tariffs.
👉 Sector focus: Manufacturers in automotive, steel, aluminum and pharma should model cost and sourcing impacts under both tariff and non-tariff scenarios.
👉 Legal monitoring: Observe US federal court proceedings on tariff authority, as new rulings could change the landscape.
👉 Policy alignment: Watch for EU–US framework deals beyond these duties - such pacts could affect wider areas such as digital trade, green tariffs or subsidies.
Author: Lonija Grīnfelde, Marketing Specialist
