European products will not be affected by the tariffs that Trump announced last night, including a tariff of between 30% and 50% on kitchen, bathroom, and upholstered furniture as well as 100% for medications from pharmaceutical companies that do not have plants in the US. The reason: the trade agreement that the EU and the United States signed last summer, which limits the surcharge to 15% for the vast majority of exports.
"The United States intends to immediately ensure that the tariff subject to Section 232 measures on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and wood, does not exceed 15%," explained Trade spokesperson Olof Gill.
"This clear and comprehensive 15% tariff ceiling for EU exports represents an insurance policy that ensures no higher tariffs will arise for European economic operators. The EU is the only trading partner that has achieved this result with the United States," continued the Commission's representative, adding: "The EU and the United States continue to work on implementing the commitments of the Joint Declaration, while exploring new areas of tariff exemption, as well as broader cooperation."
The measure has not yet been confirmed, that is, it is not signed by Trump, and therefore, any scenario is possible. The President of the United States could easily decide, for example, to apply an additional tariff on medications, which is a sector that the EU cares deeply about and has fought hard for. But the Commission maintains that yes, this is the case, and that there will be no additional tariff. They also highlight the agreement reached last summer and for which Brussels received harsh criticism as it was seen as a surrender to Washington.
"Heavy Trucks (Big!)"
The new US tariffs were announced last night by Trump on his Truth Social profile, which is his own social network, and in addition to wood and pharmaceutical products, they will also affect larger trucks. "In order to protect our Big Heavy Truck Manufacturers from unfair competition from abroad, starting on October 1, 2025, I will impose a 25% tariff on all 'Heavy Trucks (Big!)' manufactured elsewhere in the world," stated the US President.
"Therefore, our Large Heavy Truck Manufacturers, such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, will be protected from the onslaught of external disruptions. We need our truckers to be financially healthy and strong, for many reasons, but above all, for National Security reasons," he added.
Regarding wood, the magnate pointed out that the new tariffs are due to "the 'FLOOD' of these products into the United States from other countries." "It is a very unfair practice, but we must protect, for national security and other reasons, our manufacturing process. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added.