Trump gives EU deadline or threatens higher tariffs

WorldBusiness & Finance
8 May 2026 • 4:05 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump gives EU deadline or threatens higher tariffs

  • Donald Trump has warned the European Union that it has until 4 July to fulfil its side of last year's trade deal.
  • Failure to comply with the agreement will result in significantly higher tariffs being imposed on EU goods by the United States.
  • The trade framework, known as the Turnberry Agreement, was established at Trump's golf course in Scotland and initially set levies on most European goods at 15 per cent.
  • Trump claimed Europe was not adhering to the terms and specifically threatened to increase tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25 per cent.
  • Writing on Truth Social, he stated that despite a “great call” with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, the EU must cut its tariffs to zero by the deadline.

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