IP Law Daily, VITAL BRIEFING—Trump, E.U. outline steps for next phase of trade deal, (Aug 22, 2025)

By Brad Rosen, J.D.

The effects of Trump’s tariffs on price inflation remain unclear, while Home Depot, a major retailer with an import heavy supply chain, maintained that the company had been able to avoid broad based price increases triggered by tariffs.

In this Vital Briefing, Thomas Thompson reports on breaking news from the White House about a “Framework Agreement” for the next phase of the trade deal between the U.S. and the E.U. According to a joint statement issued by the parties, an earlier “commitment” for European companies to invest an additional $600 billion across strategic sectors in the United States through 2028 has been amended to a mere “expectation.” Additionally, the briefing takes a look at the emergence of other potential trade deals around the globe in response to the Trump administration’s aggressive and fluid tariff approach. For instance, the Canadian international trade minister has indicated he is in talks with the Mercosur group of countries, a South American market consortium whose members include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, to gain greater access to these markets. Lastly, tariff impacts on U.S. inflation and company performance are considered even though individual company reports have not provided much clarity. Home Depot indicated that it had been able to avoid broad based price increases, and its executives pointed to ongoing secular problems in the housing sector as a cloud on the economic horizon, noting that their customers are undertaking fewer major home improvement projects. On the other hand, Target, as one of the largest importers in the country, recently stated that the prospect of higher tariffs meant it expected to face major financial and operational hurdles as 2026 approaches.

To read the article, click Trump, E.U. outline steps for next phase of trade deal.

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