EU Tariffs 2026: European Union Import Duty Guide

Updated March 25, 2026 · Section 232 & MFN tariff data · USITC HTS Revision 4

The European Union represents the third-largest source of US imports (after Mexico and Canada). Unlike Mexico and Canada, the EU does not have a comprehensive free trade agreement with the US. Most EU goods face standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates, with notable exceptions for steel, aluminum, wine, and cheese.

This guide explains EU tariff rates, Section 232 duties, trade dispute tariffs, and how to look up rates for European products.

Key point: EU goods typically face standard MFN rates (0-15% for most categories). However, steel and aluminum face additional Section 232 duties (25% and 10% respectively), and wine/cheese face retaliatory tariffs. No trade agreement reduces EU rates.

Standard MFN Rates for EU Products

Without preferential trade agreement status, EU products are assessed standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates:

Product Category	Typical MFN Rate	Additional Duties
Machinery & Electronics	0-2.5%	None typically
Chemicals & Plastics	0-6.5%	None typically
Steel Products	0-15%	25% Section 232
Aluminum Products	0-8%	10% Section 232
Wine & Spirits	0-10%	25% retaliatory (some items)
Cheese & Dairy	0-25%	25% retaliatory (some items)
Automobiles & Parts	2.5-25%	Section 301 possible (limited)
Pharmaceuticals	0-3%	None typically

Section 232 Steel & Aluminum Tariffs

Steel (25% Additional Duty)

Steel products from the EU face a 25% additional tariff on top of the base MFN rate, imposed under Section 232 national security authority:

Flat-rolled steel: Base rate 0-15% + 25% Section 232 = 25-40% effective
Stainless steel: Base 7.7% + 25% Section 232 = 32.7% effective
Steel tubes & pipes: Base 7-15% + 25% Section 232 = 32-40% effective
Steel fasteners: Base 8-12% + 25% Section 232 = 33-37% effective

Aluminum (10% Additional Duty)

Aluminum faces a 10% additional tariff on top of base MFN rates:

Primary aluminum: Base 0% + 10% Section 232 = 10% effective
Aluminum extrusions: Base 7.7% + 10% Section 232 = 17.7% effective
Aluminum sheet & plate: Base 7.7% + 10% Section 232 = 17.7% effective
Finished aluminum products: Base varies + 10% Section 232

Plus surcharge: The February 2026 import surcharge adds an additional 2-4% on top of these rates.

Wine & Spirits Tariffs (Retaliatory)

Wine and spirits from the EU face 25% retaliatory tariffs as part of the US-EU trade dispute over Airbus subsidies:

Product	Base MFN Rate	Retaliatory Rate	Total Effective Rate
Still wine (not sparkling)	0%	25%	25%
Sparkling wine (Champagne, Prosecco)	0%	25%	25%
Whisky & Brandy	0%	25%	25%
Liqueurs & Cordials	0%	25%	25%
Rum & other spirits	0%	15-25%	15-25%

Impact: A $20 bottle of French wine now costs roughly $25 at retail due to the 25% tariff (plus surcharge). This makes EU wine significantly more expensive than non-tariffed alternatives.

Cheese & Dairy Tariffs (Retaliatory)

Many EU cheese and dairy products also face 25% retaliatory tariffs:

Cheddar cheese: Base 0% + 25% retaliatory = 25%
Parmesan & similar grating cheese: Base 6% + 25% retaliatory = 31%
Other EU cheeses: Base 0-25% + 25% retaliatory (some items)
Butter: Base 0% + 25% retaliatory = 25%
Milk powders: Base 20-22% + 25% retaliatory = 45-47%

Note: Not all dairy products are under retaliatory tariffs. Tariffs apply selectively to certain cheeses and products. Check HTS code for your specific item.

Automobiles & Auto Parts

The EU is a major automotive exporter. Most vehicles and parts face standard MFN rates without preferential treatment:

Finished vehicles (cars): 2.5% MFN (no preferential rate)
Trucks & commercial vehicles: 25% MFN
Auto parts & components: 2-5% MFN typically
Engines & transmissions: 0-3% MFN
Electronics for vehicles: 0% typically, but complex components may face tariffs

No trade agreement benefit: Unlike USMCA partners, EU autos receive no tariff reduction. This makes German, French, and Italian vehicles more expensive than Mexican or Canadian equivalents.

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices generally face low tariffs:

Active pharmaceutical ingredients: 0% MFN
Finished pharmaceuticals: 0-3% MFN
Medical devices: 0% MFN typically
Diagnostic equipment: 0-2% MFN

Digital Services & E-commerce Considerations

The US and EU do not have a digital trade agreement. Key considerations:

Physical goods: Standard tariffs apply regardless of whether purchased online
Customs duties: De minimis suspension (Feb 2026) means duties now apply to all parcels, including small purchases from EU e-commerce
Data services: No tariffs on digital services, but data residency and privacy rules differ between US and EU (GDPR compliance required)
Software licenses: Generally duty-free when delivered digitally

De minimis change (Feb 2026): The duty-free de minimis exemption (previously $800 for packages under 1 pound) was eliminated. All imports now face tariffs, including small EU e-commerce parcels. Budget 10-20% additional duty on orders from EU retailers.

Look Up EU Tariff Rates

Search our 28,000+ HTS codes to find current rates on European products.

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FAQ: EU Tariffs 2026

Q: Why does the EU not have a trade agreement like USMCA?

A comprehensive US-EU free trade agreement (TTIP) was negotiated 2013-2016 but failed to ratify. Since then, both sides have relied on sector-specific agreements and standard MFN rates. Trade disputes (Airbus, steel, agriculture) have prevented broader agreement.

Q: What's the total duty on EU steel in 2026?

Typically 25-40% (base MFN rate 0-15% + Section 232 25% + surcharge 2-4%). Example: Stainless steel might be 7.7% base + 25% Section 232 + 3% surcharge = 35.7% effective rate.

Q: Can I import EU wine duty-free?

No. All wine from the EU faces a 25% retaliatory tariff on top of the base 0% MFN rate. This applies across all EU wine regions (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.).

Q: Are all EU cheeses subject to 25% retaliatory tariff?

Not all. Tariffs apply selectively to certain cheeses and dairy products (part of the Airbus dispute retaliation). Check the specific HTS code for your product. Some EU dairy items have standard MFN rates.

Q: How much more expensive are EU cars compared to Mexican cars under tariffs?

Mexican cars enter at 0% (USMCA), while EU cars face 2.5% MFN + surcharge. EU cars also don't benefit from labor wage incentives. Total difference can be 2-5% effective duty, making EU vehicles 3-8% more expensive.

Q: Will tariffs on EU products change in 2026?

Possibly. Steel/aluminum duties and wine tariffs are under active negotiation between the US and EU. Watch Tariff Check's Trade Updates for any changes to EU-specific tariffs.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or trade advice. EU tariff rates, retaliatory duties, and Section 232 assessments are subject to change. Trade disputes between the US and EU may result in tariff modifications. Always verify current rates with a licensed customs broker before making import decisions. Tariff Check is not liable for errors, omissions, or financial consequences resulting from use of this information.