President Donald Trump has delayed imposing 50 percent tariffs on the European Union, pushing the deadline from June 1 to July 9.
On Friday, Trump said he was recommending a “straight 50% tariff” on the EU starting June 1. Trump claimed leaders had been “very difficult to deal with” and that discussions were “going nowhere.” Now, the president says he moved the deadline after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requested an extension.
“I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly.”
Von der Leyen said she had a “good call” with Trump.
“The EU and the US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship,” Von der Leyen wrote on X. “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.”
The markets dropped sharply after Trump announced the 50 percent tariffs. The S&P 500 fell 1.1 percent in early trading, the tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 1.6 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell 1 percent.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump hoped the new tariff threat would “light a fire” under EU officials in trade talks with U.S. negotiators.
Trump “believes that the EU proposals have not been of the same quality that we’ve seen from our other important trading partners,” Bessent told Fox News on Friday.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
