Trade Explainer: The August 2025 US-EU Joint Statement on Trade

On August 21, the United States and the EU published a joint statement that details the framework for bilateral trade. The statement aims to clarify the announcements made at the July 28 meeting between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Turnberry golf course in Scotland.

The statement shows evidence of significant negotiation since the Turnberry announcement that reflects both sides’ priorities and continuity with past discussions.

The framework is not legally binding. Trade terms could still evolve, but the statement is designed to provide clarity and certainty to businesses and citizens while setting out the direction of future negotiations between the United States and the EU. The bloc is also planning to adopt new legislation to implement the tariffs laid out in the framework.

The table below summarizes what the statement says, what the text means, and what has changed since the July 28 announcement.