#US-EUTradeAgreement

A new trade agreement has been reached between the United States and the European Union, marking a turning point in transatlantic relations. At the heart of this agreement is a new tariff structure, which sets a customs duty of 15% on almost all European exports to the American market. This measure, although presented as an attempt to avoid a trade war, is perceived by many as a setback for the European economy.

The agreement has sparked strong reactions due to its implications for different sectors. The European automotive industry, for example, sees its customs duties drop from 27.5% to 15%, a notable reduction but conditioned on the obligation to relocate part of its production to the United States to fully benefit from it. The pharmaceutical sector, previously exempt from customs duties, is now subject to this new 15% rate, which could lead to a loss of margin and potential relocations. In the energy sector, the agreement provides for a significant increase in American gas and oil exports to the EU, reinforcing the European bloc's energy dependence.

Some sectors, such as aerospace and semiconductors, benefit from a 'zero-zero' regime with the exemption from customs duties. However, this situation comes with a commitment from the EU to purchase significant quantities of American artificial intelligence chips, which maintains a technological dependence. The agreement, which does not include a clear appeal process or strong legal guarantees, has been criticized for its asymmetrical nature and the fact that it does not offer true reciprocity for European exporters.