Trump agrees to delay EU tariffs after call with von der Leyen, sets new deadline for trade deal

05/29/2025 / By Laura Harris

President Donald Trump agreed to delay a proposed 50 percent tariff on all EU goods (originally set for June 1) after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, extending negotiations until July 9.
Trump had accused the EU of unfair trade practices, claiming it was formed to exploit the U.S. and threatened tariffs via Truth Social. The EU denies these claims and the need for swift talks.
Von der Leyen called the discussion a “good call” and pledged to advance trade negotiations decisively, aiming for a deal by the new deadline.
The White House seeks to dismantle EU tariff/non-tariff barriers (e.g., on agriculture and tech) and reduce Europe’s economic reliance on China, mirroring Trump’s long-standing trade grievances.
Analysts suggest Trump’s hardline tactics forced the EU to engage, with Treasury officials noting the extension could accelerate stalled negotiations amid the bloc’s fragmented decision-making.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has agreed to postpone additional tariffs on the European Union (EU) following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested an extension to negotiate a trade agreement.

On Friday, May 23, Trump threatened the EU through a post on his Truth Social platform with a 50 percent tariff on all goods coming from the 27 blocs starting June 1 due to unfair trade practices.

“The European Union, which was formed with the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with,” he posted on Truth Social. “Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50 percent Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025.”

But Trump changed his mind on Sunday, May 25, after von der Leyen called and requested an extension on the June 1 deadline of the 50 percent tariff.

“I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50 percent Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union. I agreed to the extension – July 9, 2025 – It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. (Related: Trump’s tariff gambit pays off as approval ratings defy market turbulence.)

Von der Leyen confirmed the discussion on X, formerly known as Twitter, and called it a “good call.”

“The EU and U.S. share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship. Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9,” she posted on her official account on X.

Trump is expected to push Brussels to dismantle both tariff and non-tariff barriers that restrict American-made goods

The extension arrives at a critical juncture.

Trump has long accused the EU of maintaining protectionist policies that disadvantage American businesses, echoing concerns that fueled his 2016 campaign. Historically, the EU’s origins in the 1951 European Coal and Steel Community were designed to promote intra-European trade while shielding members from external competition – a structure Trump has criticized as inherently anti-United States.

In turn, Trump has imposed a 10 percent flat tariff for the EU on certain U.S. imports, along with a 25 percent levy on key exports like steel, aluminum and automobiles – measures Trump argues are necessary to counter China-style market flooding.

The White House is expected to push Brussels to dismantle both tariff and non-tariff barriers, including restrictive regulations on American agricultural and tech exports. Another key demand: reducing Europe’s economic reliance on China, which remains a dominant trade partner despite U.S. warnings about unfair practices and security risks.

In line with the extension, analysts suggest Trump’s hardline stance may have forced Brussels to the table. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier noted that the fragmented decision-making of the EU has stalled progress. “President Trump’s upping of the ante may light a fire under the EU to get a deal done,” Bessent said.

Trump should put the tariffs on immediately, an expert says. Watch this video.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.