U.S. and EU Extend Tariff Suspension Amid Trade Negotiations
Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen agree to delay U.S. tariffs on the EU until July 9, fostering opportunities for serious negotiations.
On May 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly announced an extension of the suspension of 50% tariffs imposed by the United States on the European Union, moving the deadline to July 9, 2025. This decision follows a series of discussions regarding trade relations between the two parties.
President Trump revealed that von der Leyen had contacted him seeking an extension of the original June 1 deadline and expressed a desire to initiate serious negotiations.
He indicated that the conversation was productive and confirmed the new deadline.
"We had a very good conversation and I agreed to move the date to July 9. I accepted, and she told me that we would be meeting soon to see if we can find a solution," Trump stated.
Prior to their announcement, von der Leyen had described her call with Trump as a "good call".
On the social media platform X, she emphasized Europe’s readiness to expedite negotiations decisively and highlighted the significance of the U.S.-EU trading relationship, stating, "The EU and the United States maintain the most significant and close trading relations in the world."
An escalating trade tension had arisen earlier in the week when Trump asserted that he was not pursuing a trade deal with the EU and warned of a potential imposition of 50% tariffs on imports from the bloc, set to take effect on June 1. The European Commission swiftly responded, calling for respect from Washington in the trade negotiations.
Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade, remarked on X that trade should be characterized by mutual respect rather than threats, asserting that the EU is ready to defend its interests.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil weighed in, urging the United States to engage in "serious negotiations," and warned that the tariffs posed risks not only to the European economy but to the U.S. economy as well.
He highlighted in a Sunday interview that American tariffs threaten economic stability across the Atlantic.
In an assertive stance earlier this month, the EU had threatened to impose tariffs on approximately €95 billion worth of U.S. imports, including vehicles and aircraft, should trade discussions with Trump fail to yield satisfactory results.
The Commission also stated that it would bring the matter before the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Recent months have seen the EU bear the brunt of U.S. tariffs, including 25% on steel and aluminum, set forth in mid-March, followed by additional tariffs on automobiles and other European goods in April.
While the last tariff increase was temporarily suspended until July 9 to facilitate negotiations, a 10% tariff remains in place on most goods exported from EU member states to the United States.
Trump has voiced criticism of Europe since his return to the presidency, claiming its trade practices are "worse than China" in the context of U.S. trade relations.
The U.S. Trade Representative estimates the goods trade deficit with the EU to be $235 billion in 2024. However, the European Commission notes that this deficit is significantly offset by a U.S. surplus in services, reducing the overall trade imbalance to €50 billion (approximately $57 billion).
President Trump revealed that von der Leyen had contacted him seeking an extension of the original June 1 deadline and expressed a desire to initiate serious negotiations.
He indicated that the conversation was productive and confirmed the new deadline.
"We had a very good conversation and I agreed to move the date to July 9. I accepted, and she told me that we would be meeting soon to see if we can find a solution," Trump stated.
Prior to their announcement, von der Leyen had described her call with Trump as a "good call".
On the social media platform X, she emphasized Europe’s readiness to expedite negotiations decisively and highlighted the significance of the U.S.-EU trading relationship, stating, "The EU and the United States maintain the most significant and close trading relations in the world."
An escalating trade tension had arisen earlier in the week when Trump asserted that he was not pursuing a trade deal with the EU and warned of a potential imposition of 50% tariffs on imports from the bloc, set to take effect on June 1. The European Commission swiftly responded, calling for respect from Washington in the trade negotiations.
Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade, remarked on X that trade should be characterized by mutual respect rather than threats, asserting that the EU is ready to defend its interests.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil weighed in, urging the United States to engage in "serious negotiations," and warned that the tariffs posed risks not only to the European economy but to the U.S. economy as well.
He highlighted in a Sunday interview that American tariffs threaten economic stability across the Atlantic.
In an assertive stance earlier this month, the EU had threatened to impose tariffs on approximately €95 billion worth of U.S. imports, including vehicles and aircraft, should trade discussions with Trump fail to yield satisfactory results.
The Commission also stated that it would bring the matter before the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Recent months have seen the EU bear the brunt of U.S. tariffs, including 25% on steel and aluminum, set forth in mid-March, followed by additional tariffs on automobiles and other European goods in April.
While the last tariff increase was temporarily suspended until July 9 to facilitate negotiations, a 10% tariff remains in place on most goods exported from EU member states to the United States.
Trump has voiced criticism of Europe since his return to the presidency, claiming its trade practices are "worse than China" in the context of U.S. trade relations.
The U.S. Trade Representative estimates the goods trade deficit with the EU to be $235 billion in 2024. However, the European Commission notes that this deficit is significantly offset by a U.S. surplus in services, reducing the overall trade imbalance to €50 billion (approximately $57 billion).
