President Donald Trump has announced a temporary delay in his administration’s plan to impose sweeping 50% tariffs on European Union imports, extending the implementation deadline from June 1 to July 9. The decision followed a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested more time to reach a trade agreement.
Trump, who initially threatened the tariffs in response to what he described as unfair trade practices by the EU, said he was willing to give European leaders “a little more time to negotiate in good faith.” He described the conversation with von der Leyen as “very nice” and signaled openness to a mutually beneficial resolution—if the EU acts quickly.
“She asked for the extension to July 9, and I granted it,” Trump told reporters. “We’re giving them a chance to come back with something fair. But if they don’t, the tariffs will go into effect.”
Von der Leyen reportedly assured the president that the EU was prepared to engage in accelerated talks to resolve key trade disputes. European officials welcomed the delay but remained cautious, with EU trade commissioner Maroš Šef?ovi? urging the U.S. to pursue fair negotiations instead of relying on economic threats.
Financial markets reacted positively to the news. Global indexes, which had been rattled by the looming tariff deadline, stabilized on optimism that both sides could avoid a full-blown trade war. Analysts noted that the proposed 50% tariff would have hit several major sectors—including automotive, aerospace, and agriculture—potentially driving up prices and disrupting supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic.
Despite the delay, Trump made it clear the tariffs remain on the table. The extension, he said, is conditional on serious progress in negotiations. “This isn’t a surrender. It’s a chance to do what’s right—for both sides,” Trump stated. “But we will not tolerate one-sided trade any longer.”
The White House has already brokered new trade deals with the United Kingdom and China, and officials say the EU is next in line. With the July 9 deadline now set, both sides face a narrow window to finalize a new agreement that addresses U.S. concerns over subsidies, tariffs, and market access.
For now, the countdown continues—and so does the pressure.