The United States is pushing the European Union to publicly pledge to roll back non-tariff barriers as part of the one-year anniversary of the EU-U.S. trade framework, broadening the focus beyond tariffs.

Washington is seeking a public commitment to loosen import rules and eliminate non-tariff barriers, according to sources at the Financial Times.

The core dispute centers on regulatory barriers and market access, with visible progress but ongoing friction in non-tariff areas and continued negotiations.

This effort follows the framework agreement’s prior market-access promises, including car standards recognition, and fits a broader pattern of pressuring partners to improve access for American goods.

EU officials appear reluctant to publicly pledge new commitments, and the Commission says talks are ongoing without expecting a future commitments document.

The push comes amid US domestic political pressure before mid-term elections and wider regional economic tensions, including inflation linked to Middle East conflicts.

Trade balance context shows the EU had a substantial goods surplus with the US in 2023, while the US ran a services surplus with the EU.

Brussels notes the EU has the largest goods trade deficit with the US, underscoring ongoing friction over market access and non-tariff barriers.

US trade representatives stress that the 2025 deal does not solve all problems and that further market-access improvements were pledged but not fully realized.

Washington has proposed concrete public commitments to ease import rules, including car-safety and agricultural standards, viewing these as barriers.

The US also cues concerns about EU rules it deems unviable and seeks a reciprocal response from Brussels.

EU officials say talks are ongoing and a formal pledge on future commitments is unlikely, with the EU listing tariff reductions it expects from the US totaling €115 billion in annual exports.