The announcement comes in response to a parliamentary question tabled by Laurent Mosar of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), who raised concerns over the Trump administration’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 30% on all EU imports starting 1 August. Mosar pressed the government to clarify Luxembourg’s position and the European Union’s strategy in response.
In a written reply dated 7 August, Bettel stated that a political agreement was reached on 27 July, setting the tariff rate at 15% for the majority of European exports, to be applied from 7 August 2025. He added that the European Commission, acting on behalf of the EU, led the negotiations and had prepared countermeasures, which were suspended on 5 August following the deal.
Bettel confirmed that the Luxembourg government supported the Commission’s efforts both in negotiations and in contingency planning for retaliatory measures.
Mosar’s original question, submitted on 14 July under Article 80 of the Rules of the Chamber of Deputies, sought answers on four points: the EU’s overall stance, Luxembourg’s national position, potential EU strategies to counter the tariffs, and whether countermeasures were being considered.
The government’s response indicates that, for now, a wider trade war has been avoided – but with tariffs still coming into effect, tensions remain.
