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What to Expect From the New U.S.-EU Trade Framework Announced by Trump

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands during a diplomatic meeting, symbolizing renewed U.S.-EU trade discussions. Photo credit: Fred Guerdin / European Union, 2025 / EC - Audiovisual Service

What to Expect From the New U.S.-EU Trade Framework Announced by Trump

July 30, 2025

What to Expect From the New U.S.-EU Trade Framework Announced by Trump

Explore what the new U.S.–EU trade deal means for global economics and diplomacy lesson for middle and high school students.

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NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

In Scotland on Sunday, Trump and the European Union announced a major trade deal between their two massive economies. The framework for the preliminary deal includes a 15% general tariff on most EU goods entering the U.S., while a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum remains in place. Lisa Desjardins speaks with David Lynch, global economics correspondent at The Washington Post, to learn more.

Remote video URL

Discussion Questions

  1. What are the key details of the trade deal between the U.S. and the EU?
  2. Who is David Lynch, and what is his background?
  3. Which U.S. industries will be affected by this deal, according to Lynch?
  4. When will this deal take effect?
  5. Why is the Trump administration and the EU making this deal?

Focus Questions

  1. How do you predict these tariffs will affect the daily life of the average American?
  2. How is this deal impacting Americans compared to Europeans?
  3. Media literacy: What do you know about tariffs, and how do you see this deal changing the current state of tariffs in the U.S.?

Extension Activity

Read this timeline outlining the actions President Trump has taken regarding tariffs during his current term, and discuss:

  1. Based on the current timeline, where do you think tariff policies are headed moving forward?
  2. Does this make you feel more confident or less confident in the economy? Explain.

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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.

PBS News Hour Classroom
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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