EU denied agreeing to Donald Trump’s 10 percent tariff

European Commission Spokesperson Paula Pinheau, in a comment to Politico, denied the EU’s willingness to agree to the 10% tariffs proposed by the American president. The EU and the US are currently conducting technical and political negotiations to resolve the trade conflict.

But media reports about Brussels’ readiness to agree to a 10% tariff are “speculative and do not reflect the current state of negotiations.” Pinheau added that “negotiations are ongoing, and at this stage no agreement has been reached.”

Pinheau called Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal.

EU countries have fallen under the 10% US base tariff. But if they and the US do not reach an agreement by July 9, the tariff will increase to 50%. The States already apply such a tariff for steel, aluminum, and 25% for cars. Some media outlets, including Reuters, have reported that Brussels is reportedly ready to agree to 10% tariffs by July 9.

“As agreed by President Ursula von der Leyen and President Trump, the European Commission remains fully engaged in finding a common solution by July 9,” Pineau said.

In May, EU trade ministers urged the Commission not to agree to a deal similar to the UK’s, which allows for a 10% “reciprocal” tariff.

Tags: EU, USA, duties