U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed the trade deadline with the EU to July 9.
The pressure over trade between the United States and the European Union has eased, at least for now — after President Donald Trump agreed to delay new tariffs. Trump decided following a phone discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which both sides said went well.
Von der Leyen called the chat “good” and asked for more time — until July 9 — to try and get a deal that works for both parties. Trump, who had earlier threatened to slap 50% tariffs on EU products starting June 1, said on Truth Social that he was happy to extend the deadline. He added that von der Leyen had promised quick cooperation to sort things out.
The planned tariffs had raised alarm on both sides of the Atlantic, with fears that a new trade war could badly hurt both economies.
EU Warns Against Threats as Negotiations Continue
The U.S. has long argued that its trade relationship with the EU is unfair. Trump pointed to the fact that Europe sold $600 billion worth of goods to America last year, while the U.S. only exported $370 billion in return. He believes raising tariffs will help protect local industries like farming and car-making.
But not everyone agrees. Many experts and leaders warn that such moves hurt both businesses and buyers and can disrupt supply chains across the world. The U.S. already has a 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminium, even though some other duties were frozen while talks continued.
On the EU side, top trade official Maroš Šefčovič stressed the need for mutual respect, not pressure. “We are ready to protect our side,” he said. The EU had already lined up counter-tariffs of 25% on €18 billion worth of American goods but held off to allow dialogue.
Some EU capitals like Berlin and Paris are still pushing for a calm, diplomatic path. They warn that any trade battle now would cause even more damage at a time when global markets are still recovering.
As the July 9 deadline approaches, the clock is ticking. What happens next could either bring the U.S. and Europe closer — or drive them further apart.
