Trump Pressures EU to Reduce Tariffs on US Goods

The Financial Times revealed today that US President Donald Trump’s trade negotiators are pressuring the European Union to unilaterally reduce tariffs on US goods.

According to the newspaper, the negotiators say that without concessions, the EU will not make progress in talks to avoid an additional 20% retaliatory tariff.

The newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying that US Trade Representative Jameson Greer is preparing to inform European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčović today that a “clarification note” recently submitted by Brussels for the talks falls short of US expectations.

The newspaper added that the EU is seeking to reach a jointly agreed framework text for the talks, but the two sides remain largely far apart.

The United States imposed 25% tariffs on EU cars, steel, and aluminum in March and 20% on other EU goods in April. The 20% tariff was then cut in half until July 8, giving a 90-day window for talks to reach a more comprehensive tariff agreement.