Donald Trump’s “nasty” trade strategy, a term he once used to describe the EU’s approach compared to China, is now directly hitting European food exports with a threatened 17% tariff. This move impacts popular items like Belgian chocolate, Irish Kerrygold butter, and Mediterranean olive oil, all major sellers in the US market.
The warning was reportedly conveyed to EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič during high-level talks in Washington with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other key officials. This action reinforces Trump’s consistent “aggressive negotiating position,” aimed at extracting significant concessions from the European Union.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed that the bloc continues to “favour a negotiated solution” and that “progress was made towards an agreement in principle” in recent discussions. However, the EU is also making robust preparations for a potential trade war, with retaliatory duties on various US products, including Bourbon and Boeing 747s, if a deal isn’t reached before Wednesday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the pragmatic goal of a high-level framework deal, acknowledging the limited time for a comprehensive agreement. The EU is also seeking immediate tariff relief for critical sectors, particularly the auto industry, which currently faces a punitive 27.5% US tariff. The looming July 9 deadline, marking the end of a 90-day tariff pause for over 60 nations, adds considerable urgency to these critical trade talks.