In a direct confrontation, EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič received a stark warning in Washington: Donald Trump intends to impose a 17% tariff on European food and farm produce exports. This significant threat targets popular European delicacies and agricultural goods, including renowned Belgian chocolates, Irish Kerrygold butter, and premium olive oils from Italy, Spain, and France, all of which are major sellers in the US market.
The encounter, involving US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, signals a clear escalation in transatlantic trade tensions. EU ambassadors were promptly briefed on Friday, emphasizing the severity of the proposed tariffs and Trump’s unyielding “aggressive negotiating position.”
Despite the explicit threat, EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill indicated that the bloc still favors a “negotiated solution,” confirming that “progress was made towards an agreement in principle” during the recent talks. However, the European Union is simultaneously bolstering its defenses, preparing for a potential trade war by outlining retaliatory duties on a wide array of US products, from American spirits to aircraft, should Trump proceed with his tariff plans before the Wednesday deadline.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed a preference for a high-level framework deal, recognizing the challenges of achieving a comprehensive agreement in the limited time available. A key priority for the EU is securing immediate tariff relief for vital industries, notably the auto sector, which currently faces a punishing 27.5% US tariff. The expiration of the 90-day tariff pause for over 60 countries, including the EU, on Wednesday, adds a critical sense of urgency to the ongoing discussions.
