In high-stakes trade talks, the European Union is pushing for immediate tariff relief in key sectors, notably the auto industry, which currently faces a punishing 27.5% US tariff. This demand comes amidst Donald Trump’s broader threat to impose a 17% tariff on European food and farm produce exports, targeting popular items like Belgian chocolate and Irish butter.
The warning regarding food tariffs was reportedly conveyed to EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič during high-level discussions in Washington with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other officials. This aggressive move is consistent with Trump’s strategy to pressure trading partners, whom he once described as “nastier” than China on trade.
Despite the escalating tensions, EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed that the EU continues to “favour a negotiated solution” and that “progress was made towards an agreement in principle” in recent discussions. However, the EU is also making robust preparations for a potential trade war, with retaliatory duties on various US products, including Bourbon and Boeing 747s, if a deal isn’t reached before the Wednesday deadline.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the pragmatic goal of a high-level framework deal, acknowledging the limited time for a comprehensive agreement. The pursuit of immediate tariff relief is a crucial component of this framework, as the automotive sector has been disproportionately affected by Trump’s trade policies. The looming July 9 deadline, marking the end of a 90-day tariff pause for over 60 nations, adds considerable urgency to these critical trade talks.