As of January 30, 2026, US tariffs on imports from European countries (primarily the European Union, plus associated nations like the UK and Norway) are shaped by a 2025 US-EU trade framework agreement and broader “reciprocal” tariff policies under the second Trump administration.
Key Current Tariff Structure on European Products
- Under the US-EU trade deal implemented in August 2025, most EU-origin goods face an effective tariff capped at around 15%:
- For products where the standard US Most Favored Nation (MFN/Column 1) duty rate is already 15% or higher, no additional reciprocal tariff applies (effective rate remains the base MFN rate).
- For products with a lower base MFN rate (common for many goods), an additional duty brings the total to 15% (specifically, 15% minus the existing Column 1 rate).
- This replaces earlier threats of higher rates (e.g., 30% or more) and applies to most imports from EU member states.
- Steel, aluminum, and certain metals remain subject to higher Section 232 national security tariffs (often 50%), which are not reduced under the deal and stack separately.
- Automotive products and parts saw some adjustments in the deal, but many remain in the 0–15% range depending on specifics (with prior threats of higher rates eased).
- The UK (post-Brexit) faces a lower baseline in some cases (around 10% reciprocal in parts), though aligned closely with EU treatment in many areas.
- Exemptions exist for certain products (e.g., listed by HTSUS codes, including some pharmaceuticals, electronics, or other categories via specific US notes or annexes).
This results in an average effective US tariff rate on EU imports in the 10–15% range overall (varying by product mix), significantly higher than the pre-2025 average of around 1–3%. Recent estimates (e.g., from early 2026 analyses) place the broader US effective import tariff average (including all partners) at around 16–17% pre-adjustments, with EU trade contributing to that elevated level.
Recent Developments (January 2026)
President Trump threatened additional 10% tariffs (rising to 25% by June 2026) on goods from eight specific European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK—tied to a dispute over US interest in purchasing Greenland. These would have stacked on existing rates.
However, this threat was withdrawn shortly after (around January 21, 2026) following discussions with NATO leadership and a “framework” for future Arctic/Greenland-related arrangements. No new/additional tariffs from this episode are in effect as of late January 2026.
Important Notes
Tariffs are paid by US importers (companies or individuals bringing European goods into the US), who often pass costs to American consumers via higher prices. Rates vary significantly by product (Harmonized Tariff Schedule/HTSUS code), and specific exemptions, quotas, or adjustments can apply.
For the most precise rate on a particular product, consult the US International Trade Commission’s HTS tool or official USTR/Federal Register notices, as policies can shift with ongoing negotiations or announcements. The situation remains fluid amid broader global trade tensions.