Trump gives EU until 4 July to ratify trade deal or face ‘much higher’ tariffs
Donald Trump has set a deadline of July 4th for the European Union to ratify a trade deal, warning of significantly higher tariffs if they fail to do so. Trump stated he spoke with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, who indicated progress towards ratification by early July. The deal, struck last July, initially set tariffs on most European goods at 15%, but Trump is reportedly dissatisfied with its implementation speed. The US Supreme Court's ruling in February complicated Trump's tariff authority, leading to a temporary 10% duty while his administration seeks new methods. Despite EU lawmakers' conditional approval, the deal requires negotiation with individual EU states. Trump has previously threatened to raise tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25% if the EU does not fulfill its commitments.