MEPs on the European Parliament’s international trade committee endorsed a political deal on Tuesday to lower tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods.

The vote marks a key step in implementing the EU’s side of the so-called Turnberry deal and easing transatlantic trade tensions before a 4 July deadline imposed by US President Donald Trump. The deal passed with 31 votes in favour, six against and three abstentions.

Under the agreement, Brussels will scrap tariffs on hundreds of US products, while accepting a blanket 15% tariff on EU exports to the US.

EU negotiators had wrangled for months before reaching an agreement on the conditions for removing the tariffs, which was struck in Strasbourg last month.

The political deal between Parliament and the Council would empower the Commission to suspend the trade concessions granted to the US if it determines that Washington is not upholding its commitments.

For example, the Commission could decide to suspend the agreement if the US continues to impose 50% tariffs on hundreds of additional steel and aluminium products after Turnberry – a move MEPs have denounced as a breach of the deal.

Nevertheless, the triggering suspension is not automatic nor mandatory for the Commission.

Other provisions include a safeguard clause allowing the EU to limit tariff-free US imports if distortions to the single market are demonstrated, stronger monitoring mechanisms for implementation of the agreement.

A sunset clause would see the deal expire in December 2029.

MEPs still need to hold a final vote on the deal at the plenary in Strasbourg on 16 June.

(adm)