Trump Sets July 4 Deadline for EU to Approve Trade Deal or Face Higher Tariffs
President Donald Trump has given the European Union until July 4 to approve last year's trade agreement, warning of increased tariffs if the deadline is missed.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the European Union (EU) must approve the trade agreement reached last year by July 4, or face higher tariffs on EU goods. This statement follows a previous threat to impose a 25% tariff on EU automobiles starting this week. However, after a "great call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump indicated a willingness to delay the tariff increase, providing the EU until the United States' 250th Independence Day to finalize the deal.
Trump criticized the European Parliament for not yet ratifying the agreement and emphasized that the EU had promised to reduce tariffs to zero. The specifics of the potential tariff hike remain unclear—whether it would apply broadly to all EU imports or focus solely on automobiles. This development occurs in the context of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that found Trump lacked the authority to declare an economic emergency to justify the initial tariffs, which were intended to pressure the EU into negotiations. Currently, a 10% tariff is in place while the administration continues to review trade issues.