Top US, EU trade chiefs ‘in constant contact’ after Trump tariff reprieve
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EU and US race to salvage trade talks after Trump tariff threat
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič held calls Monday with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as both sides scramble to revive trade talks and avert sweeping tariffs threatened by former President Donald Trump.
“The @EU_Commission remains fully committed to constructive and focused efforts at pace towards an [EU, U.S.] deal,” Šefčovič posted on X, adding that communication remains ongoing.
Trump had announced 50% tariffs starting June 1, citing stalled negotiations, but a Sunday call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led him to delay the move to July 9—helping calm markets.
Still, frustration lingers in Brussels. “It’s irritating, and ignorant. Self-sabotaging, drivel,” said one EU official, speaking anonymously. “Do you need greater proof that talks are going nowhere than this nonsense?”
Despite tensions, EU Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said the Sunday call injected “a new impetus” into the talks.
In the meantime, the EU continues to work on a list of potential countermeasures in case talks with the White House on a deal fall through, an EU representative said.
