Trump Claims EU Seeks “Rapid” Deal After 50% Tariff Threat

EU Seeks Urgent Deal

Trump Threatens 50% Tariff

Agreement Possible by July

Donald Trump claimed Tuesday that the European Union (EU) is urgently seeking to negotiate following his threat to impose a 50% tariff starting June 1.

The U.S. president stated that European officials had reached out to quickly schedule meetings.

“This is a positive development,” Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social, also expressing his hope that Europe will “finally” open its markets to the United States.

His comments come just days after launching a new tariff offensive, criticizing the slow pace of talks with the EU.

EU Seeks Urgent Deal

Last Friday, Trump had publicly warned that he would apply the new 50% tariff unless there was meaningful progress in the negotiations.

“They’re going nowhere,” he said at the time, referring to talks with Brussels. He also noted that companies manufacturing within the U.S. would be exempt from the measure.

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However, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump agreed to extend the deadline.

The new cutoff date is July 9, though trade tensions remain high, EFE reported.

Trump Leverages Tariff Threat

“I was extremely satisfied with the assignment of the 50% tariff to the EU,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

He added: “Especially because they were being ‘slow’ (to put it mildly!) in our negotiations with them.”

The former president emphasized that he has “the power to ‘MAKE A DEAL’ on trade with the U.S.” if he believes the country is being treated unfairly.

Since returning to office, Trump has reinstated several protectionist policies from his previous term. These include 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and related products.

Markets Rattled by Trade Tensions

Additional 25% duties have been applied to imported automobiles and parts. A baseline 10% tariff also remains on all U.S. trading partners.

In the EU’s case, that 10% tariff could rise to 20% if the current suspension—set to expire in July—is not renewed.

Markets responded with uncertainty after the initial announcement of the 50% tariff, prompting Trump to negotiate a postponement.

Analysts warn that escalating trade conflict with the EU could have global economic repercussions, as reported by El País.

Trade Tensions Revive Global Conflict

The EU remains one of the top destinations for U.S. exports, including machinery, technology, and agricultural goods.

Trump argues that the EU imposes unfair trade barriers and insists on broader market access. In his statement Tuesday, he stressed his goal to reach “similar” deals to those already made with other global powers.

Trump’s government has recently secured agreements with the United Kingdom and China aimed at reducing tariffs and fostering mutual trade.

Trump’s tough stance on trade is also tied to his electoral agenda, focused on economic strength and industrial protectionism.

A Deal Still Possible by July 9

International trade remains a central pillar of Trump’s campaign, appealing to working-class and manufacturing-sector voters.

Though the European Union has not issued an official response, negotiations are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.

According to EFE and El País, trade experts caution that a breakdown in talks would impact both producers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Trump, meanwhile, continues to stand by his direct and confrontational trade policy. “Remember, I have the power to ‘MAKE A DEAL,’” he reiterated on Truth Social.