U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened the European Union with a 50 percent tariff on goods starting June 1, he said in a post on social media.
“The European Union, which was formed with the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with,” he wrote.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50 percent Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025.”
The fresh threat comes hours before a call between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday as the two sides seek a basis for negotiation to head off a transatlantic trade war.
The call takes place just days after Brussels responded to the U.S. administration with a newly tweaked list of concessions it is willing to offer.