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Brussels, July 13, 2025 – The European Union has delayed its planned retaliatory tariffs on €21 billion of US exports until early August, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday. The move extends a suspension initially set in March, in response to US President Donald Trump’s import taxes on EU steel and aluminum.The decision follows a letter from Trump threatening 30% tariffs on EU imports starting August 1, with warnings of even higher tariffs if the EU retaliates. Speaking at a press conference, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s preference for a negotiated solution, stating, “We will use the time until August 1 to continue preparations while keeping our hand outstretched.” EU trade ministers will convene in Brussels on Monday to discuss their response strategy. Germany’s Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stressed the need for “serious and solution-oriented negotiations” with the US, but warned that the EU would implement “decisive countermeasures” to protect jobs and businesses if talks fail. French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Commission to staunchly defend EU interests. Trump’s administration has proposed tariff conditions on 24 countries and the EU, with trade adviser Peter Navarro aiming to secure “90 deals in 90 days.” So far, preliminary agreements have been outlined with the UK and Vietnam, while negotiations with others continue. In a Fox News interview aired Saturday, Trump claimed his tariff policies are generating “hundreds of billions of dollars” for the US, despite global criticism. The EU and Mexico have both condemned Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs, signaling growing tensions in global trade.
