A new trade framework agreement jointly announced by the European Union (EU) and the U.S. aims to ease trade tensions and stabilize container volumes across Trans-Atlantic shipping lanes.

The agreement, revealed on August 21, 2025, outlines a pause in escalating trade measures while maintaining existing U.S. tariffs of 15% on most EU imports and a 27.5% on automobiles. These taxes will stay in effect until the EU agrees to implement reciprocal reductions.

One global forwarder anticipates steadier volumes on the North Europe–U.S. East Coast and Gulf routes. However, delays in tariff reductions for vehicles continue to impact Westbound volumes. European car exports to the U.S. are already down -16.8% in the first half of 2025.

The higher costs may shift consumers toward more affordable alternatives, potentially benefiting domestic and Asian suppliers.

Source: American Shipper