U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily backed away from threats to impose 50% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union. A new deadline for negotiations with Brussels has been set for July 9. The decision to postpone was made following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who, according to Trump, expressed willingness for «serious and swift dialogue».

Talks avert an immediate conflict

The tariffs were originally scheduled to take effect on June 1. However, following the conversation with von der Leyen, the American president agreed to give the EU additional time. The European Commission chief described the call as constructive and said that Europe is aiming for a fair and mutually beneficial agreement.

Despite this temporary de-escalation, tensions remain high. Just two days earlier, Trump had posted warnings on social media, threatening «tough measures» against the EU, criticizing the negotiations as unproductive, and accusing the bloc of being «difficult to deal with».

What the new tariffs threaten and who is at risk

If no compromise is reached by July 9, the proposed tariffs could come into effect, impacting a large portion of European exports. Both industrial and consumer goods would be affected.

The most vulnerable categories include:

• Passenger vehicles and auto parts
• Food products (meat, cheese, confectionery)
• Alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, beer)
• Equipment and industrial machinery
• Cosmetics and personal care products

Such a move could provoke retaliatory measures from the EU, potentially triggering a full-scale trade confrontation. Businesses on both sides of the Atlantic have already voiced concerns over possible financial consequences.

Geopolitical bargaining or economic pressure

Analysts believe that the tariff threat is not just a trade strategy but also a tool of political leverage. Faced with domestic economic challenges, the White House appears to be intensifying pressure on foreign partners.

This approach has already drawn criticism, both in Europe and within the United States. Some officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, openly acknowledged that the purpose of these threats was to «light a fire» under the EU and push them toward concessions.

For now, both parties have paused escalation. But if no deal is reached by July, this standoff could mark the beginning of a new phase in the transatlantic trade conflict — one with potentially global consequences