According to OEB information from the Trade Service, on October 16, during the meeting of the Trade Policy Committee, the European Commission presented a compromise proposal (WK 13701/2025) on the Legislative proposal concerning the adjustment and opening of tariff quotas for the import of certain goods originating in the USA.
The purpose of this proposal for a Regulation is to provide for the non-application of tariffs to all industrial products originating in the United States and to grant preferential market access for certain fishery and agricultural products. Of all industrial products originating in the United States, 66% were already duty-free in 2024. Under the proposed Regulation, tariffs will be suspended for the remaining industrial products, which account for 34% of imports of industrial products in 2024. As regards fishery and agricultural products, it is proposed that, in cases where there is an EU interest in facilitating imports, preferential market access should be granted only for non-sensitive agricultural products. This implies the partial liberalisation of certain agricultural products and tariff quotas.
The attached compromise proposal (see amendments highlighted in bold and underlined) includes:
- Introduction of a review clause – Article 5a
- Introduction of a Safeguard Clause – Article 3a.
At this meeting of the Committee on Trade Policy (Deputies), the European Commission invited Member States to submit in writing any comments on the compromise proposal of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adjustment of tariffs on imports of certain goods originating in the USA and on the opening of tariff quotas for imports of certain goods originating in the USA, by 28 October 2025. In addition, it invited the Member States, if they wish, to submit at the same time more general comments on the original proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the non-application of customs duties to imports of certain goods (ST 12304/25 + ADD1), which was sent to you on 9 September.
Interested businesses can send to the Ministry any comments, comments on the sectors/products that concern them and how they may be affected, until Monday, October 27, 2025 (end of day).
- Mrs. Artemis Achilleos (Energy, Trade and Industry Officer A) – aachilleos@meci.gov.cy
- Mrs. Elena Pikoula (Energy, Trade and Industry Officer) – epikoula@meci.gov.cy
We remain at your disposal for any clarifications that may be needed.
