Trump Delays 50% Tariff on EU Imports After Call with von der Leyen

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he will delay a proposed 50% tariff on European Union imports until July 9, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump had previously warned that steep tariffs would take effect on June 1, citing what he called unfair trade practices by the EU. But after what he described as a “very nice call,” the president agreed to extend the deadline.

“She said she wants a serious negotiation,” Trump told reporters in New Jersey. “July 9th was the date she requested. And I agreed to do that.”

In a post on X, von der Leyen confirmed the call and said Europe is “ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively,” but noted that “a good deal will need time until July 9.”

The move comes after Trump threatened on Friday to raise tariffs from 20% to 50% in response to what he called the EU’s “ridiculous” trade barriers and “unjustified lawsuits” targeting American companies.

The proposed tariff increase would affect $321 billion in transatlantic trade, potentially reducing U.S. GDP by 0.6% and raising consumer prices by more than 0.3%, according to Bloomberg Economics.

EU officials had recently submitted a revised trade proposal in hopes of restarting negotiations. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the tougher stance is meant to “light a fire” under the EU, which he criticized for its slow collective decision-making process.

The Trump administration has already reached a new trade deal with the United Kingdom and is pursuing a separate agreement with China.

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