Donald Trump announced that the introduction of a 50 percent tariff on EU imports to the US has been postponed from June 1 to July 9 after a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey late Sunday, the US president said the delay was necessary to allow time for “serious negotiations” with the European Union.
“[Ms. von der Leyen] called me… and asked me to postpone the June 1 deadline,” Mr. Trump said.
“She expressed a desire to begin serious negotiations because… I have told anyone who will listen that they must do so.
“We had a pleasant conversation and I agreed to reschedule the meeting… I think it will be July 9, that is the date she requested.
“She said we'd get together soon and see if we could work something out.”
In a later post on his Truth Social account, the president said: “I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, asking me to extend the 50 percent tariff on trade with the European Union until June 1.
“I agreed to an extension – until July 9, 2025 – and it was an honour to do so. The commission chair said that negotiations would begin quickly.”
In April, Mr Trump announced a 20 per cent tariff on EU goods sold in the US. He later cut it to 10 per cent until July 8 to allow time for talks with Brussels on a possible deal.
But on Friday Mr Trump said the talks were “not going to get anywhere” and announced plans to impose a 50 per cent tariff on June 1.
World President Donald Trump said that Vladimir Putin “has gone… Read more
In a post on X, Ms von der Leyen wrote: “Good decision from @POTUS.
“The EU and the US have some of the most significant and close trade ties in the world. Europe is ready to actively advance the negotiations.
“We will need until July 9 to reach a successful deal.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
