EU and U.S. Trade Deal Delays

(Reuters) – The European Union is attempting to prevent the United States from targeting its digital rules as both sides finalize details of a delayed statement formalizing a trade deal reached last month, according to the Financial Times.

EU officials indicated that disagreements over language related to “non-tariff barriers,” which the U.S. includes digital rules, are contributing to the hold-up of the statement.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. The European Union, the White House, and the State Department did not respond to requests for comment.

Originally, the statement was expected shortly after the July announcement by EU President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The July deal introduced a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, which is half of the initially threatened rate, helping to avert a broader trade war between the two allies, who comprise nearly a third of global trade.

The U.S. aims to retain the option for concessions on the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which Washington argues restricts free speech and burdens U.S. tech companies. However, the commission has stated that relaxing these rules is a red line.

The DSA is a significant law designed to create a safer and fairer online environment by compelling tech giants to take more responsibility for illegal content, including hate speech and child sexual abuse material.

The commission expected Trump to sign an executive order by August 15 to reduce tariffs on EU car exports to the U.S. from 27.5% to 15%. However, a U.S. official indicated this would be delayed until the joint statement is finalized.