The EU chief said that she was ready to move “quickly” to conclude a trade agreement with the United States, but says that the block needs until July 9 to agree on a “good deal”.
The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that she had a “good call” with the American president Donald Trump on Sunday – two days after having expressed her frustration in the face of the rhythm of negotiations with the EU and threatened to impose prices of 50%.
Trump last month announced a tariff of 20% on most EU goods, but later reduced it to 10% until July 8 to give time for negotiations.
Trump confirmed on Sunday that he would extend the deadline to negotiate prices from 50% to July 9.
Von der Leyen said that Europe was “ready to advance talks quickly and decisively” and “to reach a good deal, we would need time until July 9”.
In remarks to White House journalists Friday afternoon before discussions with the Bloc, Trump said that he planned to raise prices on all goods sent to the United States of the EU 50% by June 1, citing impatience during negotiations.
Later Friday, the head of the EU trade, Maroš Šefčovič, reaffirmed the commitment of the block to conclude a fair agreement.
After an appeal with the American representative of Commerce Jamieson Greer and the secretary of commerce Howard Lux, he said: “The EU is fully committed, determined to conclude an agreement that works for both.”
He continued: “EU-US trade is unrivaled and must be guided by mutual respect, and not threats. We are ready to defend our interests.”
Trump has long criticized what he considers a unfair commercial relationship with the EU, although the block is one of Washington’s largest business partners. Last year, the EU exported more than $ 600 billion (528 billion euros; 443 billion pounds sterling) in goods in the United States while important 370 billion dollars, according to US government data.
The president specifically raised concerns about the trade in cars and agricultural goods. Although some prices were interrupted earlier this year to allow negotiations, a 25% levy on EU steel and aluminum remains in place.
European leaders continue to warn me against climbing. France and Germany have called for a diplomatic solution, stressing that prices would harm the two economies.
The EU threatened – and took a break – its own measures against the United States.
He indicated that he would present a rate of 25% out of 18 billion euros ($ 20 billion; 15 billion pounds sterling) of American products in Europe, but it was suspended.
The block also currently consults additional measures against American imports to the United States worth 95 billion euros.
