Complex business advisory

Current situation:

• Postponement of the 20% tariff for exports from the EU to the US for 90 days.
• The newly introduced 10% blanket tariff on all imports into the US, except for strategic commodities, remains in force.
• The 25% tariffs on imports of steel, aluminium and cars remain unchanged.

Other important information:

• A 10% ad valorem tariff will be applied to all US trading partners.
• The introduction of the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on a group of countries that the US considers to be treating unfairly.
  • These tariffs will apply to major trading partners, including the European Union.
  • The EU will be subject to a "reciprocal duty" of 20%.
• The additional ad valorem duties will be in force until the President decides to fulfil, resolve or mitigate the said conditions.
• Reciprocal duties will be added to the regular tariffs.

The European Union is planning a third phase of the Tobacco Products Directive, known as TPD III (Tobacco Product Directive III). This new regulation aims to further reduce the use of tobacco and related products in EU Member States.

The main points of TPD III:

1. Tightening the regulation of electronic cigarettes and e-liquids

2. Extension of the ban on flavoured tobacco products

3. Increase the minimum size of health warnings on packaging

4. Introduction of uniform packaging for all tobacco products

5. Restrictions on advertising and promotion of tobacco products on the Internet

6. Tightening control of online sales of tobacco products

7. Establishment of a system for the monitoring and tracing of tobacco products

TPD III aims to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products, especially for young people, while raising awareness of the health risks associated with smoking. This new directive is expected to have a significant impact on the tobacco industry and consumers across the European Union.

The exact date for the implementation of TPD III is not yet set, but it is expected to come into force in the coming years. EU Member States will then have to implement this directive into their national legislation.

It is important to monitor the development of TPD III, as it will have a significant impact on the market for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and alternative products. Consumers, retailers and manufacturers should prepare for the upcoming changes in tobacco regulation in the European Union.

In recent years, trade relations between the US and the EU have become the subject of much discussion and dispute. The tariffs and trade measures that have been put in place have far-reaching consequences for entrepreneurs, consumers and the economies of both regions.

Trade tensions between the US and the EU are not new. In recent years, we have witnessed many conflicts involving various sectors, from the automotive industry to agriculture. In 2018, former President Donald Trump launched a trade war that led to the introduction of high tariffs on steel and aluminum, prompting retaliatory action from the EU.

Key moments:

1. Introduction of tariffs on steel and aluminium (2018): The US imposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminium, which had a major impact on European producers.
2. EU retaliatory measures (2018): the EU introduced retaliatory tariffs on US goods, including whiskey and motorcycles, in response to US sanctions.
3. Negotiating trade agreements: In 2021, following the arrival of President Joe Biden, both sides sought to resume dialogue and negotiation of trade agreements.

Current situation regarding customs

Recently, there has been a significant shift in the positions of both parties. The European Union has suspended its retaliatory 25% tariffs on US goods for 90 days in response to Trump's retreat in the trade war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU wants to give the negotiations a chance and is ready to negotiate a trade agreement with the US. This temporary pause may indicate an effort by both sides to find common ground and avoid further escalation of the conflict.