The trade policy between the US and the EU
US trade policy is currently undergoing major changes, and various trade tariffs are being introduced. Several of them affect the EU and thus Sweden and Swedish companies. The EU is responding with countermeasures against the US. We have summarised the latest events in the trade conflict. The page is updated continuously.
Do you have questions about the US tariffs?
Contact the customs hotline at the National Board of Trade
Phone: 08–690 48 62
Weekdays: 9–11 and 1–3 pm
E-mail: usa@kommerskollegium.se
Questions and answers about the tariffs at the National Board of Trade (in Swedish)
The United States is an important trading partner for Sweden, and changes in US trade policy can directly affect Swedish SMEs. By following the latest updates on tariffs, companies can better prepare to deal with the challenges. This will help you as a business owner make informed decisions and adapt your business in time to minimise negative impacts and seise any opportunities.
Auto tarrifs
Starting April 3, there will be an additional tariff of 25 percent on passenger cars and light trucks. Additional tariffs on auto parts will be introduced on May 3.
General tariff on goods from the EU
The US will impose tariffs of 20 percent on goods from the EU. It is not only the EU that is affected, a total of 60 countries will have new tariffs imposed. The countries will receive different percentages, but all will receive a basic tariff of at least 10 percent. The general tariff rates were planned to come into effect on April 9, but are now paused for 90 days. The decision on additional tariffs of 10 percent remains.
US additional tariffs on goods at the National Board of Trade (in Swedish)
Additional tariffs on steel and aluminum
On March 12, the United States imposed additional tariffs of 25 percent on imports of steel and aluminum, citing national security. The tariffs cover all EU countries, including Sweden.
Additional tariffs on steel and aluminum
EU response
As a first response to the US actions, the EU is reintroducing countermeasures, previously used in 2018 and 2020, targeting a range of US products. A package of additional countermeasures is planned from the EU to ensure that they correspond to the value of the US tariffs. The planned tariffs against the US are paused for 90 days starting April 10.
Find the right tariff rates
For current tariff rates for imports to Sweden, you can use "Tulltaxan" at the Swedish Customs.
Tulltaxan at the Swedish Customs (in Swedish)
The WTO's tariff profiles also provide an overview of tariffs in over 170 economies. The information includes, among other things, average tariff rates and tariffs per product group.
Trade Statistics - Tariff profiles at WTO
The National Board of Trade has the details
The National Board of Trade is Sweden's authority for foreign trade, the EU's internal market and trade policy. They provide more detailed information on how the various measures in the trade conflict affect Swedish small and medium-sised businesses.
Trade conflict USA-EU at the National Board of Trade (in Swedish)
Questions and answers about trade with the US at the National Board of Trade (in Swedish)
Facts: Trade between the US and the EU
Goods
- The US is the largest partner for exports of goods to the EU and the second largest for imports of goods.
- The EU was the second largest partner for exports of goods to the US in 2022 and the largest for imports of goods.
Services
- The US was the largest partner for exports of services to the EU in 2023, as well as for imports of services.
- The EU was the largest partner for exports of services to the US in 2022 and also its largest for imports of services.
Consequences of tariffs
When the US introduces tariffs on products from EU companies, they become more expensive and therefore risk being sold less. When the EU responds by introducing tariffs on US products, they become more expensive for EU consumers.
Source: European Parliament