Fact check: What products are currently subject to the highest tariff rates between the USA and EU?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, steel, aluminum, and copper currently face the highest tariff rates between the USA and EU at 50% ^[1]. The EU automotive industry is subject to 25% tariffs ^{[2] [3]}, making it the second-highest category.

Most other European goods entering the US are subject to a 15% tariff rate, including autos and auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors ^{[1] [2]}. However, there's a nuanced structure where goods from the EU with a Column 1 Duty Rate less than 15% receive an additional ad valorem rate to bring the total to 15%, while goods already at 15% or higher face no additional duties ^[4].

Strategic sectors such as aircraft are not exempt from tariffs ^[3], though specific rates for aircraft aren't detailed in the analyses.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual elements missing from the original question:

• Recent trade deal developments: The US and EU reached a "massive trade deal" that established these current tariff structures ^[1], representing a shift from previous trade tensions.
• EU retaliatory measures: The EU has suspended its retaliatory tariffs targeting US products including soybeans, cars, aircraft, and Bourbon Whiskey, with tariff values of €21 billion and €72 billion ^[3]. This suspension demonstrates the reciprocal nature of trade disputes.
• Sectoral exceptions: While most goods face the 15% rate, sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper remain unchanged at the higher 50% rate ^[1], indicating these industries receive different treatment due to strategic considerations.
• Automotive industry specifics: Despite the general 15% rate, the EU automotive industry specifically remains subject to 25% tariffs ^{[2] [3]}, suggesting this sector faces particular trade tensions.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself doesn't contain misinformation but lacks important framing context. The question implies a static tariff structure without acknowledging that these rates result from recent trade negotiations and represent a compromise from previous higher rates or trade tensions.

The analyses suggest these tariff rates are part of an agreement described as restoring "stability and predictability for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic" ^[2], indicating the current structure represents a negotiated settlement rather than purely punitive measures. This context is crucial for understanding why certain sectors like steel, aluminum, and copper maintain higher rates while others were reduced to the standard 15%.