Tariff dispute: Trump promises letter with deal to EU
Washington. In the tariff conflict with the European Union, US President Donald Trump has announced a letter to the EU. Asked by a journalist whether he was optimistic about a deal with the EU, he said: "We're probably two days away from sending them a letter. We're in talks with them. I just want you to know that a letter means a deal."
The EU Commission has not yet expected a letter. Negotiations on a mutually agreed solution are continuing, it said on Monday. Brussels has been negotiating with Washington in the tariff dispute for some time, but the outcome remains open.
On Monday, Trump published more than a dozen letters with tariff regulations to various countries, primarily in Asia. He also postponed the deadline for new import surcharges by almost a month. The deadline was originally scheduled to expire this Wednesday (July 9). Now, new tariffs on exports from other countries to the US are to be imposed starting August 1.
Shortly before, Trump had made another commitment – he insisted on his tariff deadline of August 1. The Republican wrote on his platform Truth Social: "Nothing has changed about this date, and nothing will change. In other words, all amounts are due starting August 1, 2025." He added: "No extensions will be granted."
Hours later, however, the Republican hadn't fully committed to the binding nature of the new tariff deadline. Asked whether the August 1 deadline was binding, he said in front of reporters on Monday evening (local time): "I would say binding, but not 100 percent." He expressed his openness to the possibility of trade partners submitting a proposal.
RND/dpa
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