US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would hold off on implementing the proposed 50% tariffs on the European Union until 9 July, following what he described as a ‘very nice call’ with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (main image shows Trump and Von der Leyen at World Economic Forum in 2020).
Trump had issued the tariff threat on Friday, setting a 1 June start date, expressing dissatisfaction over what he saw as stalled negotiations for a 20% ‘reciprocal’ tariff deal.
However, the US president said on Sunday he agreed to a delay after von der Leyen requested more time for talks.
‘Von der Leyen just called me … and she asked for an extension on the 1 June date and she said she wants to get down to serious negotiation,’ Trump said, while speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey. ‘And I agreed to do that,’ he added.
Von der Leyen had earlier posted on X (see below) that she had a ‘good call’ with Trump, noting that ‘to reach a good deal, we would need the time until 9 July’. She added that ‘Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively’.
Following the announcement, European stock markets rebounded on Monday, recovering from Friday’s losses when Trump initially made the tariff threat.
Trump’s trade stance has drawn criticism for potentially increasing inflation and risking economic slowdown, while his inconsistent tariff announcements have caused volatility in financial markets.
Both Brussels and Washington had previously agreed to freeze tariff actions until July, seeking to avoid a full-blown transatlantic trade conflict. But Trump’s renewed threat on Friday escalated tensions.
Speaking that day, Trump insisted he wasn’t aiming for a deal with the EU, reiterating his frequent claim that the bloc was established to ‘take advantage’ of the United States.
Currently, the EU faces a 10% tariff from the US – introduced by Trump last month – along with 25% duties on car imports, steel, and aluminium. Trump had initially imposed a 20% tariff specifically on the EU, but later suspended it to allow for dialogue. LATEST: EU welcomes Trump’s 90-day pause in tariffs, as stock markets soar.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, who met with US officials on Friday, affirmed that the EU remains ‘committed to securing a deal’ but insisted that negotiations should rest on ‘mutual respect, not threats’.
In the event talks fail, Brussels has prepared retaliatory tariffs targeting US products worth nearly 100 billion euros. ALSO READ: From motorbikes to beauty products: EU announces first tariffs to hit back at US.
In 2024, the US registered a $236 billion goods trade deficit with the EU. However, factoring in services – where American firms generally lead – the European Commission estimates the US deficit was $57 billion.
Earlier in the month, Trump reached a separate trade agreement with the UK, though he kept in place the 10% ‘baseline’ tariff, and temporarily eased tariffs on China to facilitate renewed negotiations.
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Good call with @POTUS.
The EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship.
Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.
To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 25, 2025
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