Trump extends deadline for EU commerce deal till 9 July | EUROtoday

US President Donald Trump has agreed to increase a deadline to barter tariffs with the European Union till 9 July.

It comes after President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated she had a “good call” with Trump on Sunday.

Last month, Trump introduced a 20% tariff on most EU items, however later halved it to 10% till 8 July to permit time for negotiations. On Friday, Trump expressed frustration with the tempo of negotiations with the EU and threatened to impose 50% tariffs.

Speaking to reporters, Trump stated Von der Leyen advised him “we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out”, posting afterward Truth Social that it was his “privilege to extend the deadline”.

Von der Leyen earlier stated she was prepared to maneuver “swiftly” to agree a commerce take care of the US, however that the bloc wanted till 9 July to agree a “good deal”.

In remarks to reporters on the White House on Friday afternoon hours earlier than talks with the bloc, Trump stated he deliberate to boost tariffs on all items despatched to the US from the EU to 50% by 1 June, citing impatience at negotiations.

Later on Friday, the EU’s commerce chief Maroš Šefčovič reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to securing a good deal.

Following a name with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, he stated: “The EU’s fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both.”

He continued: “EU-US trade is unmatched and must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests.”

Trump has lengthy criticised what he views as an unfair commerce relationship with the EU, regardless of the bloc being considered one of Washington’s largest buying and selling companions. Last yr, the EU exported greater than $600bn (€528bn; £443bn) in items to the US whereas importing $370bn value, in response to US authorities information.

The president has particularly raised considerations on commerce in automobiles and agricultural items. Although some tariffs had been paused earlier this yr to permit for negotiations, a 25% levy on EU metal and aluminium stays in place.

European leaders proceed to warn towards escalation. France and Germany have referred to as for a diplomatic answer, stressing that tariffs would hurt each economies.

The EU has threatened – and paused – its personal measures towards the US.

It stated it could introduce a 25% tariff on €18bn ($20bn; £15bn) value of US items coming into Europe however this was placed on maintain.

The bloc can also be presently consulting on further measures towards US imports into the US valued at €95bn.