The European Commission has released its proposal for adjusting customs duties on imports of certain goods from the USA, following the EU–USA agreement reached at the end of July 2025. Freshfel Europe has expressed concern over the implications of the deal, citing questions about international trade principles and its impact on the fresh produce sector.
According to Freshfel Europe, the agreement introduces a one-sided framework that undermines reciprocity and weakens established trade rules. The organisation criticises the process, pointing to limited transparency, insufficient consultation with stakeholders, and the absence of a comprehensive impact assessment. It warns that the deal could erode the WTO's Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle and complicate future bilateral trade agreements.
One of the main issues raised is the treatment of fresh fruit and vegetables. Under the proposal, imports of U.S. produce into the EU would be fully liberalised, with existing tariffs removed. In contrast, EU exports to the USA would face a tariff increase of up to 15%. Freshfel Europe notes that this asymmetry could give US exporters a competitive advantage in Europe, while limiting the competitiveness of EU produce in the American market.
The group also highlights the lack of progress on long-standing U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) restrictions that continue to block or restrict EU exports such as apples, pears, citrus, and tomatoes. While the EU has signalled readiness to address U.S. concerns on non-tariff barriers and sustainability issues, there has been no reciprocal commitment from the U.S. on SPS measures.
Another concern relates to compliance requirements. EU producers are subject to strict sustainability, climate, and food safety regulations, including frameworks such as CSRD, CDDD, and PEFCR. According to Freshfel Europe, the agreement could create an uneven playing field if non-EU suppliers are granted greater flexibility on these obligations.
The tariff concessions also carry budgetary consequences. Freshfel Europe estimates that dismantling tariffs on U.S. produce could reduce EU revenue by around €12 billion annually, potentially adding pressure on an already constrained EU budget. This comes at a time when resources for agriculture and climate adaptation measures are under review.
Freshfel Europe argues that the deal risks undermining EU agricultural competitiveness and credibility on sustainability. It has called on EU policymakers in the Council and Parliament to reconsider the agreement, emphasising the need for reciprocal and non-discriminatory market access that supports both sides of the trade relationship.
For more information:
Philippe Binard
Freshfel Europe
Tel: +32 (0) 2777 1580
Email: [email protected]
www.freshfel.org