US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on all European Union goods starting June 1, 2025, citing a widening trade deficit and stalled negotiations. "The European Union… has led to a trade deficit with the US of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Our discussions with them are going nowhere!" Trump said the tariff would not apply to goods built or manufactured in the United States. "Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50 per cent Tariff on the European Union," he added. At an Oval Office event later in the day, Trump doubled down: "I'm not looking for a deal… we've set the deal — it's at 50 per cent." However, he suggested a potential delay for companies planning US-based operations: "If somebody comes in and wants to build a plant here, I can talk to them about a little bit of a delay." The European Commission swiftly condemned the move. "EU–US trade is unmatched & must be guided by mutual respect, not threats," EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič posted on X after talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. "We stand ready to defend our interests," he added, reiterating that the Commission remains ready to work in good faith. The dispute comes amid stalled talks, with Brussels seeking a balanced agreement while Washington demands unilateral concessions. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English, CNN, Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
