US President Donald Trump agreed to delay a planned 50 per cent tariff on European Union imports until July 9, granting more time for trade talks with the 27-nation bloc. The move came after a call on Sunday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested the extension. Trump had threatened on Friday to impose the tariffs on June 1, citing slow progress in negotiations. The announcement rattled global markets and intensified trade tensions. "We had a very nice call, and I agreed to move it," Trump said. "She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out." Von der Leyen confirmed the conversation, saying the EU was ready to advance talks "swiftly and decisively." Markets responded positively, with the euro and US dollar gaining against the yen and Swiss franc. Trump first set a 90-day negotiation window in April, but his Friday remarks that he was "not looking for a deal" had cast doubt on the process. Talks with other partners, including the UK and China, have progressed, but negotiations with the EU remain strained amid broader transatlantic tensions. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
