Trump Sets July 4 Deadline for EU to Ratify Trade Deal or Face Higher Tariffs

President Donald Trump has set a July 4 deadline for the European Union to ratify their trade agreement, warning that failure to do so will result in higher tariffs on EU goods. This announcement follows a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which both leaders discussed the trade deal and agreed that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.

The trade agreement, reached in July 2025 at Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, aimed to set tariffs on most European goods at 15%. However, the deal has yet to be finalized by EU member states, leading to frustration in Washington. Trump expressed his impatience, stating, "I've been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever!" He added that he has given von der Leyen until America's 250th birthday on July 4 to fulfill the EU's commitments, warning that failure to do so would result in tariffs jumping to significantly higher levels.

European officials have indicated progress toward ratifying the deal. Von der Leyen stated that the bloc had made "good progress" toward ratifying the deal by early July. "We remain fully committed, on both sides, to its implementation," she added.

The situation is further complicated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in February that found Trump lacked the authority to impose certain tariffs, prompting his administration to explore alternative legal routes. Despite these challenges, both parties have described their recent call as constructive, with the EU reaffirming its commitment to the deal and aiming for progress by early July.