EU-US transatlantic trade relationship: state of play
Posted on 11.09.2026
Following the EU’s adoption of measures implementing its tariff commitments towards the US, based on the framework outlined under the 2025 EU–US joint statement, remaining EU tariffs on industrial goods, among other measures, have been eliminated. This includes relevant trade codes for medtech, especially under chapter 90. The tariff outlook for EU medical technologies is still evolving with a few US trade investigations still ongoing.
Section 301 tariffs linked to forced labour are now in place while Section 301 and 232 investigations remain pending. The EU has also put forward a list of additional goods for which it is seeking lower US tariffs including medical devices.
In July 2026, the US concluded its Section 301 investigation into forced labour, introducing new tariff measures across 60 economies. For the EU and the UK: the measures result in a total tariff of 10% while Swiss-origin goods are subject to a total tariff of 12.5% unless a product-specific exemption applies. Notably for the medical technology sector, the UK secured exemptions for several HTS codes covering medical devices while no comparable sector exemption was granted to EU medical technologies. MedTech Europe contributed to the investigation through and separately submitted a list of HTS codes to USTR for tariff relief consideration.
Two further investigations are still awaiting next steps. Firstly the US Section 301 investigation into structural excess capacity and production launched in March 2026 covers 16 economies including the EU and Switzerland. MedTech Europe responded to the investigation highlighting the characteristics of the medical technology sector and its highly integrated international supply chains.
The outcome of the Section 232 investigation into imports of medical equipment, devices and related products launched in September 2025 is also still awaited. Although MedTech Europe did not respond directly, we did submit comments via the European Union who responded, underlining the importance of transatlantic trade in medical technologies.
These investigations are taking place alongside continued EU–US discussions on the implementation of the trade framework and on further tariff reductions for additional sectors.
The European Commission is seeking additional sectoral exemptions from US tariffs including for medical devices. MedTech Europe strongly supports these efforts and will continue engaging with policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic to make the case for tariff relief for medical technologies reflecting the sector’s deeply integrated supply chains and the importance of maintaining predictable transatlantic trade to ensure timely access of safe and performant medical technologies to patients.
For more information, contact Clare Birmingham, Manager International Affairs.