Trump issues major update on 50% tariffs after 'very nice call' with EU chief

Donald Trump and the president of the European Commission had a 'good call' which has sparked a 'swift' advancement in tariff talks.

On Friday (May 23), Trump 'recommended' a 'straight 50 percent tariff on the European Union' beginning June 1.

It followed the POTUS accusing the EU of 'ripping off' the US and announcing plans to hit the EU with levies of 20 percent on April 2 - the US' 'so-called Liberation Day'.

However, despite initially finding the EU 'difficult to deal with', it would seem after a 'very nice' call with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, relations have seemingly eased.

So much so, in fact, Trump has actually delayed the imposing of the high tariffs from the start of June to July 9.

Trump initially branded the EU 'difficult to deal with' (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Trump's initial 'recommendation' for 50 percent tariffs on the EU

He said: "The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with. Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the US of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable.

"Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50 percent Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

However, just days later, Trump has seemingly u-turned on his decision.

What a u-turn (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images))

Trump's u-turn on imposing 50 percent tariffs on the EU in June

In a post to Truth Social shared earlier today (May 26), Trump wrote: "I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50 percent Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union.

"I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

He later added to reporters the call was 'very nice,' The Independent reports.

And the positive reflection was reciprocated by von der Leyen too, with Trump sharing a screenshot of a post by the president of the European Commission.

Everyone's reportedly happy (Omar Havana/Getty Images)

The EU's response to the phone call with Trump

Von der Leyen said: "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."

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