President Donald Trump surprised on Sunday with a key announcement for global trade.
He agreed to delay the implementation of the 50% tariffs on the European Union until July 9, 2025. This decision comes after a direct call from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
A change of tone in trade tensions
Trump explained on Truth Social: 'I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen (...) requesting an extension of the June 1 deadline regarding the 50% tariff on trade and the European Union.'
According to Trump himself, agreeing to the request was a voluntary gesture: 'I accepted the postponement, until July 9, 2025, it was a privilege for me to do so.'
President Donald Trump meeting with European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen: World Economic Forum, January 2020, in Davos, Switzerland. Image: Evan Vucci | AP Photo
The context is not minor. Trump had been increasing pressure on the European bloc. In early April, he temporarily reduced tariffs to 10% for 90 days.
However, last week he hardened his stance and proposed applying a direct tariff of 50% starting June 1. He accused the 27-country bloc of being 'very difficult to deal with' and stated that the negotiations 'are going nowhere'.
Von der Leyen asks for more time to negotiate
From the other side of the Atlantic, Von der Leyen also shared her version of the contact.
On her X (formerly Twitter) account, she wrote that she had a 'good call' with Trump and that she needed until July 9 to 'reach a good agreement'.
Good call with @POTUS.
The EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship.
Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.
To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 25, 2025
The European President emphasized the importance of the trade relationship: 'The EU and the United States share the most important and close trade relationship in the world.' Moreover, she made it clear that Brussels wants to move forward quickly: 'Europe is ready to advance the talks swiftly and decisively.'
What does this extension mean?
The delay of the tariffs does not eliminate the threat, but it opens a window for dialogue.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Both parties will need to find a balance that avoids a large-scale tariff conflict.
Trump, known for his tough approach to trade policy, maintains his pressure strategy. During a recent event at the White House, he was blunt: 'I just said, it's time for us to play the game the way I know how to play it.'
Conclusion
The decision to postpone the tariffs gives breathing room to the negotiations.
However, uncertainty continues. If an agreement is not reached before July 9, the 50% tariffs could come into effect, affecting key sectors on both sides of the Atlantic.
The global trade watches closely this pulse between two of the largest economies on the planet.
