President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with the EU, despite previously labeling them as 'brutal'. The EU's trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, is in Washington to discuss tariffs, following Trump's proposal of a 30% tariff on EU imports. The EU has warned that such measures could spark a trade conflict.
Trump Labels EU as 'Brutal' Amidst Trade Negotiations
Trump Labels EU as 'Brutal' Amidst Trade Negotiations
A trade agreement with the EU is possible, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.
"The EU has been brutal, but now they are very nice," he stated at a press conference.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic traveled to Washington DC on Wednesday to discuss tariffs, which have been under negotiation for several months. Last week, Trump announced his desire for 30% tariffs on imports from the EU, which he described as "balanced and fair."
The announcement was met with loud criticism from various quarters, and threats from the EU to respond with countermeasures. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called Trump's statement "very provocative." She also warned that such high tariffs could lead to a trade conflict between the EU and the USA.
By early August, the parties are expected to reach an agreement, and the European Commission is exploring what a package of retaliatory tariffs might look like.
"Will Look Different"
Negotiations have been relatively slow, but Trump now believes an agreement can actually be reached.
"We might possibly reach an agreement with the EU," he said at a press conference, according to several media outlets.
"The EU has been brutal, but now they are very nice. They want to reach an agreement, and it will look very different compared to the agreement we have had for several years."
If the U.S. and EU do not reach an agreement, Trump wants to implement the 30% tariffs starting August 1.