EU, US Clash Over Tariffs Ahead of Deadline

As the G7 summit takes place, the EU and US are locked in tense negotiations to protect their €1.7 trillion trade relationship, with President Trump threatening to raise universal tariffs on EU exports from 10% to 50%. EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa have publicly urged Trump to end his tariffs, warning of economic and security fallout. While some reports suggested the EU might accept a flat 10% tariff to avoid higher duties on sensitive sectors, the European Commission has denied any such agreement, insisting talks are ongoing. Meanwhile, the UK has agreed to a bilateral deal involving a 10% auto tariff and quotas, a solution rejected by Brussels for the wider EU. Both sides face a July 8 deadline to avert a potential trade war, particularly over key exports like steel, aluminum, and automobiles. The outcome of these talks is set to affect not just transatlantic trade but also broader economic and security cooperation among Western allies.