FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The new threat comes hours before a phone call between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as both sides seek a basis for negotiations to prevent a transatlantic trade war.
US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened the European Union with a 50% tariff on goods starting June 1.
"The European Union, which was formed with the main purpose of taking advantage of the United States in trade, has been very difficult to deal with," he wrote in a post on social media.
"Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a direct 50 percent tariff on the European Union, starting June 1, 2025," Trump warned.
The new threat comes hours before a phone call between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as both sides seek a basis for negotiations to prevent a transatlantic trade war.
The call comes just days after Brussels responded to the US administration with a newly modified list of concessions it is willing to offer, as first reported by Politico.
However, the Financial Times reported earlier that Greer was expected to reject the EU's proposals, demanding unilateral concessions instead of mutual tariff reductions.
Trump feels hurt by the EU over regulation of big tech companies and value-added taxes imposed by member countries, which he sees as non-tariff barriers that discriminate against American businesses.
"We have sent them what we think is an excellent, detailed and mutually beneficial proposal," said Commission spokesman Olof Gill, supporting the EU's approach in its talks with Washington.
The new document aims to increase purchases in strategic sectors, such as energy, as well as develop cooperation on 5G and 6G mobile networks. It will also increase strategic cooperation in sensitive sectors that have been subject to trade investigations that have resulted in US tariffs, such as steel and aluminum, semiconductors and automobiles.
The EU offer also includes more imports of non-sensitive agricultural goods.
The latest discussions raised hopes that talks between Brussels and Washington could finally achieve substantial progress, after weeks of growing frustration over the lack of engagement from the Trump administration.
Sefcovic hopes to meet Greer in Paris in early June, after the EU trade chief made at least three publicly announced visits to Washington since Trump took office in January.
The European Commission declined to comment on Trump's latest threat. /Adapted from Politico Pamphlet/
Lini një Përgjigje