The Voice News: President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for finalizing a trade agreement with the European Union to 9 July. The decision follows a phone call between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who described the discussion as positive.
Last month, Trump imposed a 20% tariff on most EU imports, which he later reduced to 10%, setting 8 July as a deadline for further negotiations. However, frustration over the slow progress led Trump to threaten a steep increase to 50% tariffs by 1 June.
Von der Leyen said the EU needed until 9 July to secure a strong agreement and expressed readiness to move swiftly.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump reiterated his dissatisfaction with the pace of talks and hinted at further tariff hikes if a deal isn’t reached soon.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, following discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, affirmed the EU’s commitment to a fair agreement.
He emphasized that EU-US trade is significant and must be based on mutual respect rather than threats, adding, “We stand ready to defend our interests.”
