US President Donald Trump has stated via social media that he held a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss geopolitical issues, EU-US trade relations, and tariff policy. Both sides also discussed broader regional security concerns, according to him.
Trump referred to what he described as a “historic trade deal” agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, in July last year. He claimed that the EU had committed to reducing tariffs to zero under the agreement and warned that the bloc has until the US’ 250th anniversary on July 4 to fulfill those commitments. According to Trump, failure to implement the commitments could result in significantly higher tariffs on EU products.
EU-US trade agreement still pending
As SteelOrbis reported previously, the proposed trade agreement between the US and EU would introduce a 15 percent import tariff on most EU goods, compared to the previously threatened 30 percent level. However, the agreement has not yet entered the implementation phase despite the European Parliament reaching a compromise on implementation terms earlier this year.
According to media reports, Bernd Lange, chair of the EU Parliament’s trade committee, stated that EU lawmakers and member states are continuing negotiations aimed at removing duties on US goods. He noted that progress is being made, although divisions remain among some of the EU’s 27 member states regarding safeguard measures. Lange expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached during the next negotiation rounds scheduled for May 12 or May 19.
Trump also discusses trade with Brazil
Trump additionally stated that he had concluded talks with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva focused on trade relations and tariffs. According to Trump, both sides discussed multiple trade policy issues and agreed to continue negotiations through additional meetings in the coming months if necessary.