Donald Trump has retreated from plans to hit the EU with 50pc tariffs from 1 June after a cellphone name with Ursula von der Leyen, throwing the bloc a last-minute lifeline to barter.
The US president wrote on the platform Reality Social that he has prolonged the EU’s deadline to 9 July, as initially deliberate underneath the 90-day tariff pause.
Mr Trump stated: “I obtained a name at present from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Fee, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50pc tariff with respect to commerce and the European Union.
“I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to take action. The Fee President stated that talks will start quickly. Thanks in your consideration to this matter!”
It comes after Ms von der Leyen earlier on Sunday night time stated she had a “good name” with Mr Trump.
She stated: “Europe is able to advance talks swiftly and decisively. To achieve a superb deal, we would wish the time till July 9.”
The sudden reversal will revive hopes in Europe’s industrial heartlands that Brussels can attain a deal to avert the worst of the White Home’s tariffs and keep away from financial disaster.
The US president had warned on Friday that talks have been “going nowhere” and he was “not on the lookout for a deal”.
Brussels in flip stated it stood able to retaliate, threatening to lock Washington into an economically damaging feud with one in all its largest commerce companions.