Donald Trump has agreed to delay a 50% tariff on EU imports following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The US President revealed that the eye-watering levy on goods from Brussels entering America had been pushed back from June 1 until July 9.
He said the move was to allow time for “serious negotiations” with the bloc. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey today, Mr Trump said: “(Mrs von der Leyen) called me… and she asked for an extension on the June 1 date.
“She said she wants to get down to serious negotiations because… I’ve told anybody that would listen, they have to do that.
“We had a very nice call and I agreed to move it… I believe July 9 will be the date, that was the date she requested.
“She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.”
In a later post on his Truth Social account, Mr Trump added: “I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union.
“I agreed to the extension – July 9, 2025 – It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly.”
In April, the Republican announced a 20% tariff on EU goods being sold into the US.
He later reduced that to 10% until July 8 to allow for time for talks with Brussels on a potential agreement.
But on Friday, Mr Trump claimed the talks were “going nowhere” and said he was recommending that the 50% rate come into effect on June 1.
In a post on X, Mrs von der Leyen said: “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.”
