Tajani leads tariff talks in Washington for an EU-US deal

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani is on an official visit to Washington for a series of high-level meetings with American authorities. At the heart of the mission is the Italian government's desire to relaunch transatlantic dialogue in preparation for a trade agreement between the European Union and the United States. Specifically, Rome is seeking a review of reciprocal tariffs and greater economic, industrial, and strategic cooperation.

Trump accuses the world of exploiting the United States and calls for a change in trade relations

Donald Trump firmly reiterated his position that the United States has been exploited in trade and military affairs by both friends and foes for decades. In a published statement, he denounced how this imbalance has caused enormous economic losses for the country, calling the situation unsustainable and unacceptable. Trump stated that other countries should recognize the United States' contribution to global freedom and understand the need for America to act now to protect its interests. He finally hoped for a grateful response from other countries, acknowledging the legitimacy of his demands.

" The tariffs affect 70% of EU exports to the United States , worth €380 billion. However, the US administration is conducting investigations, particularly in relation to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which affects aviation products, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, timber, copper, and other goods. If the Trump administration were to impose tariffs on these products as well, the share of affected exports would rise to 97% ," said Leopoldo Rubinacci, Deputy Director of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade.

Donald Trump declared himself open to dialogue, including with Europe. He responded with this response to a journalist's question about the EU-US trade deal, after threatening to introduce 30% tariffs.

The Deputy Prime Minister will be in Washington today for a high-profile mission aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Italy and the United States, as well as transatlantic dialogue on economic, political, and international security issues. During the visit, the Minister will meet with representatives of US institutions, members of the business community, and representatives of the Italian-American community.

Among the main appointments, Tajani will have talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio , Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch , and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer .

The discussions will focus on key international challenges , with particular attention to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Thanks also to the active participation of the United States, the Rome Conference on Ukraine enabled the mobilization of approximately €10 billion in new funds and the signing of over 200 agreements and understandings for the country's reconstruction. A significant focus will be on the trade situation, particularly in relation to the Trump Administration's announcement to impose 30% tariffs on European imports starting August 1st if an agreement is not reached by that date. The Italian Government reaffirms its commitment to working towards an agreement between the European Union and the United States that protects their respective economies and guarantees a stable and clear framework for businesses, which is essential for promoting growth, employment, and prosperity.

The discussions will also extend to the Middle East, with Tajani addressing the Gaza crisis, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of full humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. On the Iranian question, the Minister will reiterate the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in finding a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis, expressing Italy's willingness to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

Another crucial topic will be the stabilization of Libya . Tajani will emphasize the need for renewed political commitment to avoid the risk of new armed conflicts, combat migrant smuggling, and limit irregular migration flows to Europe. At the same time, Italy's support for Lebanon's stability will be emphasized, particularly with regard to maintaining and strengthening the UNIFIL mission, which is essential for ensuring the United Nations presence in the south of the country.

This visit represents a strategic opportunity to consolidate the transatlantic alliance and address the most pressing global challenges in a coordinated manner, while promoting a favorable climate for trade and investment between Europe and the United States.