In a resounding triumph for U.S. leadership, President Donald J. Trump’s monumental trade deal with the European Union is being hailed by trade experts, business leaders, and policymakers as a landmark win — positioning America at the forefront of global commerce by expanding market access, cutting non-tariff barriers, and fueling job growth in key sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and energy.
Here’s what they’re saying:
CNN national affairs correspondent Jeff Zeleny: “This is the biggest trade deal in President Trump’s effort to effectively reshape the global trading order that has been one of his central priorities since taking office in January. He has been issuing many threats of tariffs, but they clearly have been working in terms of bringing other countries — allies and adversaries alike, in some cases — to the negotiating table.”
The Wall Street Journal Editor-at-Large Gerry Baker: “Trump is challenging the theory that tariffs are terrible for the global economy … The economy is growing. Inflation is stable. The stock market is booming … He is a very, very good dealmaker … It is a remarkable success.”
Commentator Ian Bremmer: “The U.S.-EU breakthrough is, by far, the most significant of those negotiations to date. It’s also a big win for the United States and for President Donald Trump.”
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez: “On this deal [with] the European Union, this is a big win for the U.S.”
Bloomberg commentator Terry Haines: “It is a triumph of a lot of things. Certainly, the President ought to take a victory lap. I think it ends up being good for the European Union. It’s a blow against the conventional wisdom.”
Newsweek Senior Editor-At-Large Josh Hammer: “[President Trump] comes home bagging one of the greatest, most historic trade deals in the history of modern commerce. This is truly historic stuff … I have never experienced, frankly, this much winning from a president in my life.”
KPMG Chief Economist Diane Swonk: “It’s s a win for the Administration.”
USA TODAY columnist Nicole Russell: “President Donald Trump secured a deal with the European Union this weekend that promises an extraordinary boon for American workers.”
Airlines For America: “We are grateful that both the Trump Administration and the leadership of the European Commission understand the critical role aviation plays in facilitating global commerce and connectivity. As a result, they have agreed to zero-for-zero tariffs for all aircraft and component parts. The zero-for-zero tariff regime will grow jobs, strengthen our economic security and provide a framework for U.S. leadership in manufacturing and safety.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Trade is essential to the success of America’s farmers and ranchers. Strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers to global markets and Farm Bureau has long been a strong advocate for leveling the playing field for American-grown products. We appreciate that the administration is making agriculture a priority in ongoing trade discussions. Opening new markets and working to strengthen existing partnerships will help ensure U.S. farmers can continue leading the world in producing safe, sustainable and affordable food for America’s families and families around the world.”
American Iron and Steel Institute President and CEO Kevin Dempsey: “AISI welcomes the trade agreement announced today between the U.S. and the EU, which is one of our country’s most important trading partners. We also appreciate President Trump’s continued commitment to a strong and competitive American steel industry, which is essential to America’s national security and economic prosperity.”
American Petroleum Institute: “We welcome @POTUS’ announcement of a U.S.-EU trade framework that will help solidify America’s role as Europe’s leading source of affordable, reliable and secure energy.”
Business Software Alliance CEO Victoria Espinel: “The Business Software Alliance welcomes the announcement of the trade deal between the United States and European Union. It provides stability and predictability for transatlantic digital commerce and fortifies our enormously important economic relationship. BSA welcomes commitments by the US and EU to maintain no customs duties on electronic transmissions and their intent to address barriers to digital trade. Transatlantic cooperation on issues like streamlining regulation and harmonizing technology and cybersecurity standards can help promote open markets and ensure that Americans and Europeans alike are well-served by cutting-edge technology.”
Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode: “Addressing trade issues with the European Union has been a critical need for American agriculture for years, and we are thrilled to see the Trump administration make progress with this important market. We look forward to learning more about this agreement and seeing how the EU will improve its standing as a trading partner for American farmers, ranchers and agriculture manufacturers. A strong trade relationship between the US and the 27 countries in the EU will benefit producers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.”
Delta Air Lines: “The US/EU trade agreement reached between President Trump and EU leadership is welcome news given it preserves a zero-tariff environment on aircraft and component parts, a reciprocal policy that’s been in place for over 40 years. This important step in the President’s trade negotiations will help protect and continue to grow the role of air travel as a driver of U.S. economic growth, innovation, and high-quality jobs, while protecting the $104 billion annual US trade surplus in the aerospace industry.”
Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger: “This is great news for U.S. and EU relations and we greatly appreciate President Trump’s leadership.”
General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO James Viola: “We commend the Trump Administration and EU Commission officials for working together to support the civil aerospace supply chain and foster the health and growth of the aerospace industry. The global success of the general aviation manufacturing industry drives innovation, enhances safety and strengthens economic opportunity. This deal, along with the previously announced US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, will help provide stability for the industry and drive competitiveness. We are grateful that the Trump Administration has acknowledged the value of a zero-tariff environment for civil aerospace with these trading partners and urge the Trump Administration to further support for the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft with other trading partners.”
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor: “This is yet another example of this Administration’s commitment to American energy dominance, and we applaud President Trump, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for putting rural America first in their trade negotiations. This latest trade deal with the EU will deliver concrete benefits to the American ethanol industry and to the rural communities it supports. It has the potential to unleash a new era of transatlantic trade partnerships and to enhance what’s already one of the ethanol industry’s strongest trade relationships.”
Information Technology Industry Council President and CEO Jason Oxman: “The EU-U.S. economic relationship is critically important to millions of workers, businesses of all sizes, and diverse sectors on both sides of the Atlantic. We’re pleased to see the U.S. and EU find a path forward to help open markets, deescalate trade frictions, and reach a successful deal that will restore business stability. We look forward to reviewing the details and engaging with both governments to strengthen the transatlantic relationship.”
National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen: “NBAA applauds the administration’s decision to return to the zero-for-zero tariff agreement for aircraft and component products traded between the United States and the European Union. This decision restores a level playing field on trade, allowing for further innovation in aerospace, securing America’s global aerospace safety leadership and growing the exceptional trade surplus the U.S. has enjoyed in the sector for decades.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus: “NCBA greatly appreciates the Trump Administration’s commitment to addressing the numerous non-tariff trade barriers that restrict U.S. beef access in the European Union. NCBA stands ready to work with President Trump in full support of securing objective, risk-based, science-based terms of trade with Europe.”
National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert: “NGFA appreciates President Trump’s tireless efforts to expand international markets for U.S. agriculture, and we applaud the announcement of a trade deal framework with the European Union. This is a meaningful step forward in opening one of the world’s most restrictive markets to American producers.”
National Marine Manufacturers Association President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer: “We applaud President Trump and the European Union for reaching an agreement that protects U.S. recreational boats and engines from additional retaliatory tariffs. The United States is the world’s largest recreational boating market. Preserving access to global markets is essential to sustaining the $2.3 billion in annual exports of U.S. boats and marine engines. We appreciate today’s outcome, which represents a shared commitment to business certainty and a stable trading relationship.”
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper: “We thank President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for reaching this important agreement over the weekend, and we are encouraged to see U.S. ethanol mentioned as part of the deal. As our nation’s corn growers prepare for what is likely to be a record harvest, we stand ready to produce larger volumes of cleaner-burning ethanol and valuable co-products like distillers grains for customers around the world. When markets are open and trade policies are fair, everybody wins. The U.S. ethanol industry looks forward to working with our partners in Europe to continue growing the global production and use of renewable fuels, which are simply more reliable and more affordable than many other energy alternatives.”
Software & Information Industry Association President Chris Mohr: “We congratulate President Trump and EU Commission President von der Leyen on the framework agreement that was reached yesterday. A trade war between the world’s two largest economies would have benefitted neither side. In our engagements with U.S. and EU officials, we have been adamant about the need to find constructive ways to address the concerns of our members related to EU digital regulations, such as the Digital Markets Act. We look forward to continuing those conversations in the weeks ahead.”
Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip Bell: ”The Steel Manufacturers Association applauds President Trump’s announcement of a historic framework for a trade deal with the European Union, keeping his vow to put America first. By crafting a deal with the E.U. that opens market access, ensures American-made energy will power Europe, drives substantial investments in the U.S., and boldly maintains the national security tariffs on steel, President Trump has made America stronger.”
U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand: “The Council thanks President Trump, the USDA and the USTR for continuing their tireless effort to bring about fair trade between the U.S. and the EU. This deal promises to build upon long-established trade with our eighth largest grains-in-all-forms trading partner worth more than $1 billion in the 2023-2024 marketing year.”
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom: “USMEF thanks the Trump administration for prioritizing agricultural market access in negotiations with the EU and with other key trading partners. We are pleased to see that the U.S. and EU intend to work together to address non-tariff barriers inhibiting agricultural trade. The U.S. is a net importer of red meat from the EU due to the vast barriers the EU imposes on imports. EU imports of U.S. red meat totaled just $245 million in 2024, mostly beef, while the U.S. imported $698 million worth of red meat (mostly pork) from the EU. Addressing the EU’s tariff and non-tariff barriers is essential to enabling U.S. export growth.”