Trump Claims Tariff Push Spurs EU Trade Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his threat to impose a 50% tariff on European Union imports successfully pressured the EU to resume stalled trade negotiations with the United States. Trump asserted his authority to set trade terms unilaterally if negotiations fail or if the U.S. is treated unfairly, urging the EU to open its markets similarly to his demands on China. European policymakers have responded by initiating preparations for upcoming talks, including surveying businesses about U.S. investments. While Trump initially threatened to impose the tariffs starting June 1, he later backed away and restored a July 9 deadline to allow more time for negotiations. This hardline U.S. stance has also emboldened Europe's more hawkish voices, potentially making a deal more likely. Trump expressed optimism that both the EU and China would benefit from fairer trade terms with the U.S.