U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Sunday during an interview on Face the Nation (CBS) that a trade deal between the United States and the European Union is still within reach—but time is running out. He described August 1 as a final and “challenging” deadline, as new U.S. tariffs will automatically come into effect after that date.

“We still have room for an agreement,” Lutnick said, noting that he had just finished a call with European negotiators. He believes the deal is realistic:

“These are the two largest trading partners in the world. I believe we’ll reach a deal. I’m confident we will.”

💥 Tariffs Will Activate Automatically, Even if Talks Continue

Tensions between the U.S. and its allies escalated after President Donald Trump recently announced on July 12 that he would impose 30% tariffs on imports from the EU and Mexico if a deal isn’t reached by August 1. However, Trump also left the door open: “Countries can still talk to us after August 1,” he said. But Lutnick was clear—tariffs will go into effect regardless.

📩 Trump Sends Official Tariff Notices to Global Partners

The White House has already sent formal notifications to several trade partners. One letter was addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, confirming the tariffs. Additional letters were sent to Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil, with each country facing new tariff rates ranging from 20% to 50%.

Particular focus has been placed on copper imports, which are subject to a specific 50% tariff—the highest among the measures. Smaller countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa will start with a base tariff of 10%.

This aligns with Trump’s earlier comment that a “blanket tariff” for all others would likely start “a little over 10%.” These countries had been awaiting clarification on the rates—now they know what to expect.

⚖️ Big Economies Must Choose: Open Up or Pay

Lutnick made it clear that large economies have a binary choice: either open up their markets or pay “fair tariffs” to America. He described this stance as non-negotiable unless countries return to the negotiation table. It remains unclear whether the EU might receive a reduced rate—but the published letters have already triggered a new wave of last-minute talks.

Trump’s firmness, combined with his publication of the letters on Truth Social, seems to have pressured many global leaders to re-engage in discussions.

🤝 USMCA Under Review: Trump Plans to Revisit the North American Deal

Lutnick also addressed the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Although goods currently covered by the agreement will be exempt from the new August 1 tariffs, Trump reportedly plans to reopen and renegotiate the deal.

“The President definitely wants to revisit USMCA,” Lutnick said. “But that’s a matter for next year.”

Canada and Mexico, for now, can avoid the August 1 tariffs—as long as they stick to the existing terms of the agreement.

🧠 One-Minute Summary

The trade deal between the U.S. and the EU is hanging by a thread, with the August 1 deadline fast approaching. If no agreement is reached, the U.S. will activate new tariffs on European and other imports. President Trump has already sent formal letters to world leaders, and Commerce Secretary Lutnick confirmed that tariffs will be enforced regardless of continued negotiations. The EU, Mexico, and other global partners now face a clear choice: open up their markets or pay heavy customs duties.


#usa , #Eu , #TradeWars , #TRUMP , #Tariffs

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