After months of uncertainty, the European Union and the United States have reached a trade agreement that caps US customs duties on most European products — including pharmaceuticals, car parts, and semiconductors — at 15%. While this deal marks a step towards stabilising transatlantic trade, it remains partial and somewhat unclear. The exceptions to the general tariff are not yet fully defined. For European companies exporting to the US, it is therefore essential to carefully assess the potential impact.
What are customs duties, exactly?
Although trade relations between the EU and the US are generally stable, occasional tensions can affect the terms and conditions of international trade. In such contexts, customs duties are one of the most frequently used instruments. These are taxes levied on goods when they enter a country. They can be calculated as a percentage of the declared value (ad valorem duties) or as a fixed amount per unit (specific duties).
Example: A Brussels-based brewery exports craft beer to the US. A box of 12 bottles is invoiced at €40. Due to a 15% customs duty, the importer will pay an additional €6 per box, bringing the total to €46.
Why are customs duties applied?
Primarily, customs duties serve as a source of revenue for the country that collects them. But they also serve other strategic purposes.
They are often used to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive than local ones. This can help sustain national production and preserve jobs.
After initially threatening to raise tariffs on European imports to 30%, the US has decided to apply a 15% duty on the majority of EU products, effective August 1, 2025.
What does this mean for your business?
Although the duties are officially paid by US importers, their economic impact often extends further. European exporters may feel pressure to cut profit margins to stay competitive, while American consumers face potential price increases. US companies may also attempt to shift part of the cost back to their European suppliers.
Beyond direct financial effects, the new conditions may also result in longer customs processing times, legal uncertainty and logistical complications, and may require adjustments to existing commercial contracts.
How can you minimise the impact?
Several strategies can help reduce risks and prepare your business for the new conditions:
- Keep a close eye on developments in ongoing trade agreements, especially those affecting sensitive or strategic sectors. Staying informed will enable you to anticipate changes such as tighter rules, suspensions or revisions to tariffs.
- Diversify your markets in terms of both suppliers and customers. Building a broader network of partners will make your business less dependent on a single market and more resilient to geopolitical fluctuations.
- Re-evaluate your supply chain and contractual arrangements. You may find it beneficial to consolidate shipments, review Incoterms or reconsider how responsibilities, costs and risks are distributed between buyer and seller. These actions can help reduce costs and administrative burdens.
- Gain solid knowledge of customs procedures. This includes correctly classifying tariff codes, verifying the preferential origin of your goods and investigating possible exemptions or derogations.
Useful tools and support
A range of resources and services is available to help you navigate your international trade activities:
- The TARIC system provides information on applicable customs duties within the EU. For the US, tariff data is available through the USITC.
- BECI (the Brussels Chamber of Commerce) and the Federal Public Service Finance – Customs and Excise Administration also offer expert guidance and tailored support.
- hub.brussels, through its hub.info service, centralises export-related information and acts as a key contact point for Brussels-based businesses. For more targeted assistance, you can contact the international experts at hub.brussels. They offer personalised support and sector-specific advice, and help you diversify your export markets.
In conclusion
Although this trade agreement between the EU and the US brings a degree of stability, uncertainty remains. To limit the impact on their operations, companies should focus on anticipation, risk management and diversification.