Europe Seeks Last-Minute Trade Deal with U.S. to Avert Tariff War
Europe is racing against time to secure a trade agreement with the U.S. before Washington's July 9 deadline, which could trigger punitive tariffs of up to 70% on European exports. French Economy Minister Éric Lombard warned of the need for a robust European response if negotiations fail. A European Commission delegation is in Washington to defuse tensions and avoid an August 1 tariff escalation.
Trade tensions have intensified since April, when the TRUMP administration proposed unilateral reforms to U.S. foreign trade policy. The outcome of this weekend's talks could reshape transatlantic economic relations and global market dynamics.