President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he will delay new tariffs on the European Union after a call from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This extension is aimed at giving both sides more time to negotiate a trade deal before the potential imposition of a 50% tariff, originally set to take effect on June 1.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared that von der Leyen requested an extension to the deadline, and he agreed to push it back to July 9, 2025. He expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, stating, “It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly.”
Von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, describing her conversation with Trump as “good.” She emphasized the importance of the trade relationship between the EU and the US and expressed readiness to engage in negotiations quickly. She noted that reaching a favorable agreement would require the time until the new deadline.
Currently, the EU faces a 10% tariff on various goods, along with a 25% tariff on aluminum, cars, and steel. The EU’s approach to trade negotiations has been more cautious compared to other countries, especially since the Trump administration has already secured agreements with nations like the UK after Brexit.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the challenges the EU faces due to its 27 member states, each with different economic interests. He suggested that Trump’s tough stance might encourage the EU to take action and finalize a deal.
Trump has been critical of the EU in the past, claiming it was designed to undermine the US. The EU’s trade structure, which began with the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, aimed to create a free trade zone while imposing barriers on non-member countries, particularly the US.
As the US remains the EU’s largest trading partner, accounting for 17% of its trade, the negotiations are expected to focus on reducing tariffs and addressing the EU’s reliance on China, which currently imports significantly more goods from China than from the US.
The developments in these trade talks will be closely watched as both sides prepare for discussions in the coming weeks.