▲ This photo, released by UPI, shows U.S. President Donald Trump taking questions after signing a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Yonhap)

Trump-EU-tariffs

Trump threatens 'much higher' tariffs on EU if it fails to fulfill trade deal by July 4

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, May 7 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to raise tariffs on goods from the European Union (EU) to "much higher levels" if it fails to fulfill its end of last year's trade deal with the United States by July 4.

Trump made the remarks in a social media post, after he held what he described as a "great call" with European Commission President Ursula von der ‌Leyen, during which the two sides discussed a range of issues, including the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

"I've been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever! A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!" he wrote on Truth Social.

"I agreed to give her until our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels," he added.

The call came after Trump warned last Fridaythat his administration would raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the EU to 25 percent from 15 percent, claiming that the regional bloc is not complying with the trade deal with the U.S.

The warning came as Trump has expressed discomfort over European allies having not acceded to his calls for naval assistance to help reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.

In the Truth Social post, Trump said that he and von der Leyen were "completely united" that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.

"We agreed that a regime that kills its own people cannot control a bomb that can kill millions," he said.

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