BEUC NEWS - 28 July 2025

The EU and US have reached a pivotal moment. The outcome of this trade dispute will directly affect consumers; not just through potential price hikes, but also through broader questions of how trade policy interacts with consumer protection and democratic accountability.

Over the past year, the US has threatened to impose new tariffs on European products in response to the EU’s regulatory agenda, particularly on digital and environmental policies. These tariffs aim to pressure the EU into weakening or delaying its laws. This approach, which puts commercial interests above public interest rules, has been firmly opposed by BEUC and our 70+ partners, including US counterparts, through the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD).  

The decision by the EU and US to strike a deal and avoid a tariff war is a relief for consumers. In a recent survey conducted by our members in Belgium, Spain and Italy [1], over 90% of respondents believed tariffs would negatively impact both their national economies and the EU. A trade conflict would have ultimately led to higher prices and fewer choices.

However, this is a political deal and the details will be ironed in the coming weeks. It will be essential for the EU to publish the text of the deal once finalised. Yet, past experiences have shown that even when agreements don’t contain written concessions, changes to EU laws can happen behind the scenes. It will be up to the European Parliament and national parliaments to remain vigilant and ensure that consumer protections are not undermined to appease US demands.

[1] Euroconsumers, « Trump, Tariffs and Trade: what consumers really think about the EU-U.S. trade battle”