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On November 28, the Council adopted its negotiating mandates on two regulations aimed at implementing the tariff-related aspects of the EU-US Joint Statement, agreed on 21 August 2025. This marks a major step towards implementing the joint statement, which should contribute to restoring stability and predictability in EU-US trade relations.
The first regulation concerns the adjustment of customs duties and granting tariff rate quotas for US industrial products and certain seafood and agricultural products, while the second regulation focuses on extending the duty suspension for imports of lobster and processed lobster.
This regulation eliminates remaining customs duties on US industrial goods and grants preferential market access including via tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and reduced tariffs for certain US seafood and non-sensitive agricultural products.
While largely supporting the Commission's proposal, the Council introduced key amendments to strengthen the economic oversight and protection of sensitive EU sectors.
The Council's mandate calls on the Commission to continuously monitor the economic effects of the trade liberalisation measures on the EU's economy and to submit a report on the regulation's implementation and economic impact to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 December 2028.
The Council included a strengthened bilateral safeguard mechanism. This provides the EU with the necessary tools to address potential significant increases in imports or serious injury to domestic producers that may result from the new tariff concessions and TRQs.
The Council’s mandate also clarifies the provision concerning rules of origin, which should facilitate the implementation of the regulation.
With the adoption of these mandates, the Council is ready to begin interinstitutional negotiations (trilogues) with the European Parliament, with a view to reaching a final agreement on both texts.
November 28, 2025/ Council of the EU/ European Union.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu
