Trump delays EU tariffs after call with von der Leyen

“It was my privilege to do so,” Trump posted on Truth Social, noting that von der Leyen expressed a desire to engage in “serious negotiation.” (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

By Xinhua, Philippine News Agency

NEW YORK/BRUSSELS – US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he will postpone the planned 50 percent tariff on European Union imports until July 9, following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“It was my privilege to do so,” Trump posted on Truth Social, noting that von der Leyen expressed a desire to engage in “serious negotiation.”

The European Commission chief called the conversation “good” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding, “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.”

The announcement comes just days after Trump criticized the pace of negotiations with the 27-member bloc, declaring Friday that talks were “going nowhere” and threatening to impose steep tariffs starting June 1.

The prospect of heavy duties had triggered concern among EU officials and member states, who warned that such unilateral moves could derail transatlantic trade discussions.

With the extension now in place, both sides are expected to return to the negotiating table in hopes of averting a broader trade conflict.