Trump Delays EU Tariffs Amid Trade Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped back from his threat to impose a 50% tariff on European Union imports starting June 1. On Sunday, Trump Delays EU Tariffs extension to July 9, following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She requested more time to work toward a trade deal between the U.S. and the 27-nation bloc.
Frustration Led to Sudden Shift
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey before returning to Washington, Trump said, “We had a very nice call, and I agreed to move it.” He added, “She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.”
Trump had originally set the July 9 deadline in April. But on Friday, citing slow progress, he pushed for a June 1 implementation. That abrupt change rattled global markets. “I’m not looking for a deal. We’ve set the deal – it’s at 50%,” he said then.
Trump’s decision to delay tariffs brought immediate relief to financial markets. Both the euro and U.S. dollar rose against safe-haven currencies like the yen and Swiss franc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed their conversation on X (formerly Twitter). “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively,” she posted. “To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.”
Despite the delay, U.S.-EU trade relations remain tense. Trump’s “America First” policies often conflict with the EU’s preference for multilateralism. Disagreements persist on defense, security, and industrial strategy.
The U.S. has recently made more progress with trade deals involving the United Kingdom and China. In contrast, negotiations with the EU have lagged. Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs has been a key tactic in pushing foreign governments to make concessions.
The Trump Delays EU Tariffs move gives both sides a narrow window to avoid deeper conflict. With just weeks until the new deadline, negotiators must act quickly to finalize terms. Failure to reach a deal could reignite market instability and deepen trade disputes.
