The European Parliament has postponed the ratification of a trade agreement with the United States due to President Donald Trump's imposition of import tariffs. The EU is seeking explicit assurances from the US regarding adherence to the deal before proceeding, with the decision having no immediate impact on existing tariffs. This move follows the US Supreme Court's declaration of certain special tariffs as unlawful, which has prompted further discussions on US trade policy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz views the postponement as a necessary, albeit not ideal, response to the prevailing uncertainties, and has not ruled out the "trade bazooka" as a last resort in trade disputes.