Trump's tariffs

Trade wars

Tariffs, US threatens EU agricultural exports with 17% tariffs. Brussels: 'Prepare for no deal'

The Financial Times anticipation

4 July 2025

Le esportazioni agricole europee nel mirino dei dati Usa

1' min read

The US has threatened to hit EU agricultural exports with 17% tariffs in a dramatic escalation of its trade conflict with Brussels. The Financial Times reports this, citing sources.

The last-minute request comes just days before the 9 July deadline. Trump wants Brussels to grant US companies exemptions from the rules and reduce its trade surplus with the US.

US President Donald Trump, according to the Ft reconstruction, would like Brussels to grant US companies broad exemptions from regulations and the EU to reduce its trade surplus with the US.

European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič received the warning on Thursday during a meeting in Washington and passed it on Friday to the ambassadors of the 27 member states.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said on Thursday that she hoped for a "agreement in principle" that would allow the parties to continue talks pending a final agreement. However, Washington is pushing the countries to agree on binding agreements within the deadline set by Trump.

EU spokesman: 'Progress with US but prepare for no deal'

"The EU position has been clear from the beginning: we are in favour of a negotiated solution with the US and it remains the priority. During the last round of negotiations, progress was made towards an agreement in principle. After discussing the state of play with our Member States, the Commission will discuss the substance with the US again at the weekend'. This was explained by an EU executive spokesperson, adding: 'At the same time, we are preparing for the eventuality that no satisfactory agreement is reached'.