Trump Tells EU to ’Buy Down’ 30% Tariff for Trade Deal as Odds Remain Uncertain

President Donald Trump cast doubt on U.S.-EU trade negotiations, estimating a 50-50 chance—or worse—of reaching an agreement. Speaking to Reuters before departing for Scotland, Trump acknowledged Brussels' motivation to strike a deal but insisted the EU must "buy down" a threatened 30% tariff. The levy, set to take effect August 1, looms over talks despite the European Commission's Optimism about finding common ground.

Retaliatory measures are already drafted: EU capitals plan $109 billion in duties on American imports should negotiations fail. The bloc seeks to mirror aspects of the U.S.-Japan trade framework, though TRUMP provided no specifics on how the tariff reduction would be structured. Market analysts note such geopolitical tensions often drive capital toward non-sovereign assets like cryptocurrencies during periods of trade policy volatility.