U.S. President Donald Trump positively evaluated the European Union's (EU) active stance in trade negotiations with the United States following pressure to impose a "50% tariff." He also noted that the EU hopes to open more markets to the U.S.
On the 27th (local time), President Trump stated in a post on social networking service (SNS) Truth Social, "I just heard the EU has quickly reached out to set a date for the meeting (regarding trade negotiations with the U.S.). This is a positive event."
He added, "The EU wishes to open European countries for trade with the United States (including the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers). If they do so, they will be very happy and successful."
President Trump expressed that he was "extremely satisfied" with the 50% tariff allocated to the EU and remarked on the slow movement of the EU in the negotiations, which led to the 50% tariff card being drawn.
The United States is currently negotiating with various countries regarding the mutual tariff suspension period, which is set to end on July 9. President Trump indicated that the EU was not showing an active stance in negotiations and announced on the 25th that he would impose a 50% tariff on the EU starting June 1, but would postpone it to July 9.
The President stated, "Remember, I have the authority to establish transactions related to trade with the U.S. when we cannot reach an agreement or face unfair treatment."
Maroš Šefčovič, the EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, revealed via X (formerly Twitter) that he had a "good phone call" the day before with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.
Commissioner Šefčovič said, "The EU Commission will continue to make constructive and focused efforts toward an EU-U.S. agreement and we will keep in touch."