EU waits to respond to new Trump tariffs until call with US

BRUSSELS (ANP/RTR) – The American president unexpectedly announced on Friday import tariffs of 50 percent on European products. The EU and the US were negotiating overall import tariffs, which had been reduced from 20 to 10 percent for three months.

The Commission also announced a ninety-day pause for a list of American products that would be subject to import duties. The pause would last until July 14, and it is still unclear whether it is still in effect.

Trump says he wants to impose the 50 percent import duty because the negotiations are “going nowhere.” The European Commission did not want to engage in negotiations in recent weeks as long as they are still ongoing.

European ministers emphasize after the tariff threat from American president Donald Trump that trade talks between the United States and the European Union are continuing. “The European Union and the United States are negotiating,” says Polish trade minister Michał Baranowski.

The German government continues to support the European Union in negotiations with Washington, says German foreign minister Johann Wadephul. He adds that such import duties do not help anyone. “They would only harm economic development in both markets.”

Trump unexpectedly threatened on Friday with import duties of 50 percent on goods from the European Union. He stated that the negotiations with the EU are going nowhere. The EU and the US were negotiating overall import tariffs, which had been reduced from 20 to 10 percent for three months.

(May 23, 2025)