Trump gives EU until 4 July to ratify trade deal or face ‘much higher’ tariffs | Trump tariffs

Donald Trump said the EU must ratify its trade deal with the United States by July 4 or face “much higher” tariffs, after EU officials failed to reach agreement on the deal.

Trump said he spoke to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen about the issue and, he posted on his Truth Social platform, “agreed to give her until our country’s 250th birthday or, unfortunately, their tariffs would immediately rise to much higher levels.”

The Fourth of July holiday this year marks the 250th anniversary of the American colonies declaring independence from British rule.

Von der Leyen said Thursday the bloc had made “good progress” toward ratifying the deal in early July.

“We remain fully committed, on both sides, to its implementation,” she added on X.

The 27-member European bloc and the United States reached a deal last July, setting tariffs on most European products at 15%.

But Trump is not satisfied with the speed of its implementation.

The situation became more complicated after the US Supreme Court ruled in February that Trump had exceeded his authority by imposing many of his tariffs, including on the EU.

The Trump administration has since imposed a temporary 10% tariff, while his administration seeks more sustainable ways to rebuild its trade program.

But the court ruling did not affect sector-specific customs duties, such as those on cars, which under the EU deal were lowered to 15%.

While the deal still awaits approval from EU member states, Trump pledged last week to increase tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25 percent, accusing the European Union of failing to uphold its end of the bargain.

Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, said it wanted to maintain a “positive dynamic” during discussions with MEPs on May 19.

“I have waited patiently for the EU to deliver on its side of the historic trade deal we reached at Turnberry, Scotland, the biggest trade deal ever! » Trump posted on Truth Social.

“A promise was made that the EU would uphold its side of the deal and, in line with the agreement, reduce its tariffs to ZERO! »

At the end of March, European lawmakers gave the green light to the tariff deal with Trump, but they also asked for additional guarantees.

Despite conditional approval from the European Parliament, the deal must be negotiated with EU states before it can be implemented by the bloc.