US, EU Reach Reciprocal 15% Tariff Trade Deal

President Donald Trump secured a significant trade agreement with the European Union during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. The deal establishes a 15% reciprocal tariff on most EU exports to the U.S., down from a threatened 30%, while the U.S. agreed to import certain goods from the EU without tariffs, marking a partial de-escalation of trade tensions. Despite being hailed by Trump as the "biggest deal ever made," the agreement is widely seen as favoring the U.S., with the EU conceding higher tariffs than those agreed upon by the UK and maintaining steep duties on steel and aluminum. European leaders expressed relief at avoiding a full trade war but described the deal as unbalanced and a compromise prioritizing stability over fairness. Critics in Europe, including former officials, condemned the deal as a capitulation to hardline U.S. tactics, highlighting that the EU failed to gain substantial concessions. The agreement also includes commitments by the EU to purchase American energy and invest in U.S. businesses, reinforcing the U.S. position in the negotiations.