Kuwait city: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Sunday that the European Union and the United States have reached a trade agreement establishing a unified 15 percent tariff on the majority of EU exports. The announcement was made following her meeting with US President Donald Trump in Turnberry, Scotland.
According to Kuwait News Agency, von der Leyen stated that the agreement provides "stability and predictability in uncertain times" for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. In a press release, she declared that "the EU and the United States have reached a comprehensive deal on tariffs and trade," highlighting that this agreement between the world's two largest economies "represents a second building block in strengthening the transatlantic partnership, just weeks after the NATO summit." The deal sets a unified 15 percent tariff rate on most EU exports, covering key sectors such as automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
Von der Leyen emphasized that this rate offers "much-needed clarity for investors and businesses" by establishing a clear and comprehensive ceiling with no stacking. Moreover, both sides agreed to a zero-for-zero tariff arrangement on a range of strategic goods, including aircraft and components, certain chemicals, generic medicines, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, selected agricultural products, natural resources, and critical raw materials, with work continuing to expand this list.
On the topic of steel and aluminum, von der Leyen acknowledged the shared challenge of global overcapacity faced by both parties. She stated that "the EU and US will cooperate to ensure fair global competition," with the deal including tariff reductions and a quota system.
In the energy sector, von der Leyen announced plans for the EU to intensify cooperation with the US by diversifying supply sources through increased purchases of US liquefied natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuels, as part of a broad plan to replace Russian energy imports. Additionally, "US AI chips will help power Europe's large-scale AI factories and will support the US in maintaining its technological edge."
The deal brings immediate tariff relief and enables companies to plan and invest with confidence. It secures stable access to the US as the EU's largest export market while allowing greater entry for American goods into Europe, benefiting consumers and boosting EU business competitiveness. The framework also aims to further reduce tariffs, address non-tariff barriers, and enhance cooperation on economic security, demonstrating tangible benefits for both sides of the Atlantic. Von der Leyen thanked US President Donald Trump for "his personal commitment and leadership in achieving this breakthrough," describing him as "a tough negotiator, but also a dealmaker."