Trump Sets Deadline for EU to Decide on Tariff Hike by July 4

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the European Union has until July 4th to finalize its side of a proposed trade deal with the US. According to Trump, he had previously spoken with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the matter.

Trump stated that he is giving the EU an opportunity to fulfill their obligations under the Historic Trade Deal agreed upon in Turnberry, Scotland. The agreement includes a provision for the EU to cut its tariffs to zero. However, Trump claimed that the EU has yet to meet this requirement.

As part of the deal, the US had previously imposed tariffs on certain goods imported from the EU at 15 percent. However, Trump announced plans to increase these tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25 percent, effective immediately. The automobile sector accounts for approximately 8 percent of trade between the US and the EU.

Trump also mentioned that he discussed Iran with von der Leyen, and both leaders agreed that Tehran should not possess a nuclear weapon.

Source: Al Jazeera