- Trying to get as many products as possible into list of zero tariffs i.e. exemption list
- We are not here to say we have fundamentally solved everything in one go with regards to tariffs
- There will be some 'turbulence' in talks moving forward
- But we have set up a good basis for ourselves
- The work will continue in a constructive spirit
A lot of the emphasis here today is to reaffirm that what was agreed before 1 August was merely a framework agreement. That means one that will be put in place as both sides continue to negotiate their respective positions. In other words, the can is kicked down the road as we see a temporary arrangement go into effect - one similar to what we're seeing between the US and China. I don't know how much leverage the EU has in trying to squeeze the US for better terms, so this might just be it as they ride out Trump's term. But we'll see.
