Donald Trump has thrown down a deadline to the European Union after warning tariffs could “jump to much higher levels” if Brussels fails to honour what he described as a “Historic Trade Deal”. The US President made the comments in a post on Truth Social following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Trump said the pair discussed a number of issues, including Iran and trade relations between the US and EU. He wrote: “I had a great call with The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
We discussed many topics, including that we are completely united that Iran can never have a Nuclear Weapon.” The President added: “We agreed that a regime that kills its own people cannot control a bomb that can kill millions.”
Trump later turned to trade, claiming he was still waiting for the EU to fulfil its side of an agreement reached in Turnberry, Scotland.
“I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever!” he wrote.
Trump also claimed the EU had agreed to reduce tariffs to zero.
“A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!” the President said.
He then appeared to issue a deadline tied to America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Trump wrote: “I agreed to give her until our Country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels.”
The latest warning comes days after Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the EU to 25%, accusing the bloc of “not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal”.
At the time, Trump said the higher tariffs would come into force the following week and added that vehicles built in US factories would face “NO TARIFF”.
He also said companies were increasingly investing in manufacturing plants inside the United States.
Trump wrote: “Many Automobile and Truck Plants are currently under construction, with over $100billion being invested.”
He added: “There has never been anything like what is happening in America today!”
The President ended his latest post by saying: “Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
