Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to the European Union, demanding that the bloc ratify its trade deal with the United States by 4 July or face significantly higher tariffs. The former president expressed impatience over the slow pace of implementation by European officials.
Trump's Demand
Trump stated that he discussed the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and posted on his Truth Social platform that he "agreed to give her until our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels." The Fourth of July holiday this year marks 250 years since the American colonies declared independence from British rule.
EU Response
Von der Leyen said on Thursday that the bloc had made "good progress" towards ratifying the deal by early July. "We remain fully committed, on both sides, to its implementation," she added on X.
The 27-member EU and the US struck a deal last July, setting tariffs on most European goods at 15%. However, Trump has been dissatisfied with the speed of its implementation.
Complications and Court Ruling
The situation became more complicated after the US Supreme Court ruled in February that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing a wide swathe of tariffs, including those on the EU. The Trump administration subsequently imposed a temporary 10% duty while pursuing more lasting ways to rebuild his trade agenda. However, the court ruling did not affect sector-specific tariffs like those on cars, which under the EU agreement had been lowered to 15%.
Ongoing Negotiations
As the deal still awaits signoff by EU member states, Trump vowed last week to raise duties on EU cars and trucks to 25%, accusing the bloc of failing to uphold its side of the bargain. Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, said it wanted to maintain "positive momentum" at talks with MEPs on 19 May.
"I've been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever!" Trump posted on Truth Social. "A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!"
In late March, EU lawmakers gave their green light to the tariff deal with Trump, but they also sought additional safeguards. Despite conditional approval by the European Parliament, the deal must be negotiated with EU states before it can be implemented by the bloc.
