EU Responds to US on Trade Draft: Negotiations Continue

The European Commission has returned a draft joint statement on trade and tariffs to the US. Dialogue between EU and US trade officials is ongoing. The framework trade deal, agreed in July, remains partially implemented, with the EU awaiting further actions from the US administration.

The European Commission has taken a significant step in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States by returning a draft joint statement on trade and tariffs. This development was confirmed by a European Commission spokesman during a daily press conference.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer continue to engage in political discussions to reach a consensus. The process, described as 'work continuing,' aims to finalize long-standing trade disagreements.

A framework trade deal was initially established between the EU and the US in July. However, its full implementation has been delayed. Only a baseline tariff of 15% is currently in effect, and the EU is waiting for the White House to issue executive orders for specific carve-outs, particularly concerning the automotive industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)