The delay follows a phone conversation between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which she requested an extension to facilitate progress towards a trade agreement. Trump confirmed the new date during remarks to reporters on Sunday and reiterated the change on his Truth Social platform, stating:
“I agreed to the extension – July 9, 2025 – It was my privilege to do so.”
The move temporarily eases tensions following Trump’s earlier statement issued on 23 May, in which he criticised the lack of progress in talks and said he would impose a 50% tariff on all EU imports starting 1 June. The threat, made public via Truth Social, caused sharp declines across global markets, with major European indices dropping more than 2% and US tech stocks also falling at the open.
Trump’s initial tariff proposal forms part of a broader shift in trade policy under his administration, which has included agreements with the UK and China while increasing pressure on the EU. As of now, the 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium and vehicles remain in place.
According to the European Commission, trade negotiations are ongoing and efforts are being made to accelerate the process ahead of the new July deadline.
While no formal agreement has been reached, the EU’s previously tabled offer to eliminate tariffs on cars and industrial goods remains under consideration as a possible basis for compromise.
Failure to reach a deal before mid-July could still trigger retaliatory measures from Brussels. The Commission has suspended counter-tariffs on €21 billion worth of US goods until 14 July and is consulting on further potential levies covering up to €95 billion in US exports.
