On July 15, the United States and the EU issued a joint statement that appears to delay (and possibly avoid) additional U.S. tariffs on EU automobiles and automotive parts, at least for the time being. The U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) initiated an investigation of automobiles, including cars, vans, SUV’s, and light trucks, and automotive parts on May 23, 2018. That investigation will examine whether imports threaten the national security of the United States. Commerce must deliver a report to the President in February but could do so sooner than the statutory deadline. The President has in the past indicated an interest in placing significant duties on European imports of automobiles.

After a meeting between President Donald Trump and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, the United States and the EU agreed to take several steps.