U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing the European Union to unilaterally reduce tariffs on American goods or face the reimposition of steep duties, according to a report by the Financial Times on Friday.
The push adds renewed urgency to fraught trade negotiations between Washington and Brussels as both sides seek to avert escalating tensions.
According to the report, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to inform European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic on Friday that a recent “explanatory note” submitted by the EU to guide ongoing discussions falls short of U.S. demands. The U.S. is reportedly insisting on tariff concessions before it will continue talks aimed at avoiding additional 20% "reciprocal" tariffs.
The Financial Times also noted that while the EU has proposed establishing a jointly agreed framework for negotiations, the two sides remain far apart, and prospects for near-term agreement appear slim. Reuters has not independently verified the contents of the FT report, and neither the European Commission nor the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued immediate comments.
The backdrop to the current talks includes a series of U.S.-imposed tariffs on EU goods: 25% on cars, steel, and aluminum since March, and an additional 20% on a broader range of products introduced in April. The White House later halved the 20% rate, giving negotiators a 90-day window, expiring July 8, to reach a comprehensive trade agreement.
In response, the 27-nation European Union paused its plans to impose retaliatory tariffs and proposed a mutual elimination of duties on industrial goods, seeking to de-escalate the dispute.
The standoff has added pressure to broader transatlantic economic relations and cast doubt on the prospects for a stable trade environment as both sides navigate domestic political considerations and global economic headwinds.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
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World leaders are gathering in Calgary for the G7 summit, where the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is set to dominate discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
Iran launched a fresh wave of missile attacks on Israel early Monday, injuring at least 25 people and triggering nationwide alerts and defence responses.
World leaders are gathering in Calgary for the G7 summit, where the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is set to dominate discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
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