The US-EU trade agreement announced on 28 July will reshape global trade as new tariffs, investment pledges and digital trade reforms come into force. The 15% US tariff on key EU exports will be offset by USD 750bn in energy purchases and USD 600bn in planned US investments – but how these policies will be implemented remains unclear.
New reciprocal tariffs and the removal of ‘De Minimis’ exemptions will raise costs for exporters, especially in the e-commerce sector. While Swedish companies now face new challenges, they can also tap into strategic openings in tech, energy, and manufacturing.
Current tariff overview 232 sector edition :
|
Sector |
Tariff status |
Tariff rate |
Effective date |
investigation Status |
Notes |
|
Steel (all) |
Active |
50% |
4 June 2025 |
N/A |
|
|
Aluminium (all) |
Active |
50% |
4 June 2025 |
N/A |
UK exempted at 25% |
|
Steel derivatives |
Active |
50% |
4 June 2025 |
N/A |
|
|
Aluminium & derivatives |
Active |
50% |
4 June 2025 |
N/A |
|
|
Expanded derivative & products |
Active |
50% |
18 Aug. 2025 |
N/A |
|
|
Timber &lumber |
Active |
10% (softwood lumber |
14 Oct. 2025 |
232 investigation completed |
|
|
Wood furniture & cabinets |
Active |
25% → 30% (Jan 1, 2026) |
14 Oct. 2025 |
232 investigation completed |
|
|
Aircraft & parts |
Exempted |
N/A |
1 Sept. 2025 |
N/A |
|
|
Robotics & industrial machinery |
Under investigation |
TBD |
Launched 2 Sept 2025 |
Public comment open until 17 Oct. |
|
|
Semiconductors & equipment |
Under investigation |
TBD |
Launched 1 April 2025 |
Commerce review ongoing |
|
|
Medical devices & PPE |
Under investigation |
TBD |
Launched 2 Sept 2025 |
Review ongoing |
Pharma: threatened executive action, high impact
The Administration has announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals starting 1 October, unless manufacturers are already breaking ground or under construction in the US. The measure is tied to an ongoing Section 232 national-security investigation but has yet to be formalised by executive order. At the same time, a new Most-Favoured-Nation pricing agreement with Pfizer signals a dual strategy: penalising import dependence while pushing to lower domestic drug prices.
Heavy trucks, timber & furniture: tariffs announced
On 25 September, new tariffs were confirmed by executive order:
- Heavy trucks: 25%
- Kitchen cabinets & bathroom vanities: 50%
- Upholstered furniture: 30%
- Softwood lumber & timber products: 10%
- Broader wood furniture: 25%, increasing to 30% on 1 January 2026
Robotics & medtech: investigations underway
Section 232 inquiries opened 2 September for robotics/industrial machinery and medical devices, covering CNC machines, robotic arms, programmable systems, and devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, ventilators, and PPE. Public comments close 17 October 2025. Tariffs are not final, but early 2026 implementation is likely.
Swedish companies in advanced manufacturing or medtech should monitor developments and plan for potential cost increases.
Strategic actions for Swedish companies
Business Sweden has already supported several firms by:
- Analysing competitiveness under partial US supply chains
- Adjusting through up-/down-kitting and compliant product reclassification
- Sourcing and incorporating by identifying US suppliers and establishing local entities
To broaden support, we are launching the US–Sweden Tariff Intelligence and Advisory, which will:
- Track tariff updates and provide implementation tools
- Enable peer learning via virtual sessions and expert-led seminars
- Connect you with vetted customs brokers and 3PL partners
Interested in joining or need tailored support? Contact Johan Karlberg or Vlad Månsson
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