Trump grants EU tariff extension amid trade negotiations

ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump agreed to extend a deadline for the imposition of a 50% tariff on European Union goods until July 9 following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump said Sunday on his Truth Social platform that von der Leyen requested the extension during their conversation and that “talks will begin rapidly.” He described the decision to grant the request as “a privilege.”

Von der Leyen also confirmed the call, saying the EU is ready to move “swiftly and decisively” to advance negotiations.

“To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9,” she said.

Trump previously threatened the steep tariff on EU imports starting June 1, citing what he called unfair trade practices and barriers harming US companies.

The exchange suggests a temporary easing of tensions between Washington and Brussels, though significant differences remain over tariffs, subsidies and regulatory policies.