Trump Delays EU Tariffs to July 9 After Call With von der Leyen

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would delay the implementation of proposed 50% tariffs on European Union imports until July 9, 2025. The decision followed a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested an extension to the original June 1 deadline.

“I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding that trade talks with the EU will begin "rapidly." Von der Leyen also confirmed the call, saying it was “good” and that Europe is ready to move forward with negotiations “swiftly and decisively.”

Trump’s latest tariff threat had raised concerns of a renewed trade war with the EU. The 50% tariff, initially set for June 1, was part of a broader push for what Trump calls “reciprocal” trade measures. It remains unclear if the 50% levy would be added to the previously proposed 20% tariffs scheduled for early July.

This is not the first time Trump has introduced steep tariff plans only to walk them back. In April, he unveiled a series of tariffs against key U.S. trading partners but delayed them by three months.

Trump has taken a more aggressive stance on trade, especially with China, where tensions led to a prolonged trade war. However, Washington and Beijing agreed to deescalate earlier this month.

The delay in EU tariffs offers a temporary reprieve for markets concerned about escalating trade tensions, while the upcoming negotiations could determine the future of transatlantic trade relations.