US will delay 50% tariff on goods from European Union until July 9, says Trump

US President Donald Trump has announced that a planned 50% tariff on European Union goods will be postponed from June 1 to July 9 to allow time for further negotiations.

The delay follows a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who, according to Trump, expressed a strong desire to begin serious talks. “I told everyone that talks were necessary,” Trump said while speaking to reporters in Morristown, New Jersey, as reported by Associated Press.

He added that von der Leyen committed to working quickly toward a resolution.

Earlier, Trump had warned on social media that the US would impose the steep tariff, criticizing the EU for being “very difficult” in trade discussions and claiming that progress had stalled. The tariffs were originally set to take effect on June 1.

However, after the call with von der Leyen, Trump announced the extension, saying it was a “privilege” to agree to the new July 9 deadline.

Von der Leyen also stressed upon the importance of EU-US trade ties, stating that Europe is ready to move forward with the negotiations and that more time is needed to reach a fair agreement.