EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has received a direct tariff ultimatum from the US: a threatened 17% duty on European food and farm produce exports. This significant warning, delivered during talks in Washington, targets popular European goods such as Belgian chocolate, Irish Kerrygold butter, and olive oil from Italy, Spain, and France, all major sellers in the US market.
The message was conveyed by top US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This aligns with Donald Trump’s consistent “aggressive negotiating position,” as he aims to extract concessions from the EU.
Despite the explicit threat, EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill indicated that the bloc still favors a “negotiated solution,” confirming that “progress was made towards an agreement in principle” during the recent talks. However, the European Union is simultaneously bolstering its defenses, preparing for a potential trade war by outlining retaliatory duties on a wide array of US products, from American spirits to aircraft, should Trump proceed with his tariff plans before the Wednesday deadline.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed a preference for a high-level framework deal, recognizing the challenges of achieving a comprehensive agreement in the limited time available. A key priority for the EU is securing immediate tariff relief for vital industries, notably the auto sector, which currently faces a punishing 27.5% US tariff. The expiration of the 90-day tariff pause for over 60 countries, including the EU, on Wednesday, adds a critical sense of urgency to the ongoing discussions.