New EU-US Trade Agreement Defines the Future of Transatlantic Relations
AIDA CCI, through its Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and in collaboration with CIP – Confederation of Portuguese Business, announces a crucial development for international trade: the European Union and the United States of America have issued a joint statement establishing a new framework for transatlantic trade and investment relations. This agreement, announced on 21 August 2025, aims to create a fairer, more balanced, and mutually beneficial business environment, strengthening the economic ties between the two blocs.
This pact represents a key milestone for trade stability and predictability, consolidating the political agreement previously reached between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump. The statement confirms a clearer tariff regime with a direct and positive impact on European exporting companies, including those from Portugal.
Key Terms and Impacts for Businesses
The framework agreement introduces concrete measures designed to reduce barriers and promote smoother trade. Consequently, businesses should be aware of the following strategic changes:
- Comprehensive Tariff Cap: A maximum tariff rate of 15% is established for the vast majority of EU exports to the US. This cap covers strategic sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber. Sectors already subject to a Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff of 15% or higher will maintain the existing rate with no additional charges.
- Special Regime for Specific Products: Starting from 1 September 2025, several product groups will benefit from a special regime, with only the MFN tariff being applied. This measure includes natural resources like cork, all aircraft and their parts, and generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients. The parties have agreed to work on extending this list to other categories.
- Cooperation in Critical Sectors: Regarding steel, aluminium, and their derivative products, the EU and the US intend to cooperate to protect their domestic markets from overcapacity. At the same time, they seek to ensure secure supply chains between them, including through tariff-rate quota solutions.
Addressing Regulatory Barriers and Digital Trade
Beyond tariff issues, the agreement demonstrates a mutual commitment to resolving regulatory and digital challenges. The joint statement acknowledges the need to address US concerns regarding various European legislations, such as the Regulation on Deforestation, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Furthermore, both parties commit to eliminating unjustified barriers to digital trade, an essential step for modernizing commercial exchanges and enhancing business competitiveness in the global economy. Therefore, this strategic alignment aims to ensure that regulation does not become an unnecessary obstacle to the transatlantic trade flow.
In summary, this agreement represents a strategic opportunity for Portuguese companies to strengthen their presence in the North American market. AIDA CCI, through the Enterprise Europe Network, will continue to monitor these developments and support businesses in navigating this new commercial framework.
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Contact Information
For more information or to submit your expression of interest, please contact:
Deolinda Costa
Enterprise Europe Network
T.: 234 302 493
d.costa@aida.pt
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