The European Union (EU) is demanding immediate relief from tariffs in several key sectors as part of a trade deal with the United States.
However, according to the report's sources, the EU and Brussels still expect a potentially damaging imbalance in the deal with Washington.
Tuesday's report comes as negotiators face a deadline for the expiration of a large-scale "reciprocal" tariff suspension implemented by US President Donald Trump, which is scheduled to end on July 9. So far, it is not clear how Trump will handle the expiration of the suspension period. In addition, White House officials have stated that any extension will only be decided by the president himself.
In this context, the European Commission, which represents the EU in the negotiations, is expected to put forward several demands during meetings with the Trump administration this week.
In addition to demanding lower tariffs on goods such as alcohol and medical technology that are currently subject to 10% tariffs by the U.S., the EU also wants a deal that covers the commercial aircraft, pharmaceuticals and semiconductor sectors, according to Reuters. The US has launched investigations into these industries but has not yet imposed additional tariffs.
At the same time, the EU has also urged the US to ease its 25% tariff on vehicles and parts, as well as reduce duties on steel and aluminium, the report said. Tariffs on cars are a “red line” for EU negotiators, the sources said.
Finally, the EU reportedly wants tariff relief to be implemented as soon as a preliminary agreement is reached, rather than after weeks or months of waiting for a final deal.
For its part, the Trump administration has submitted a list of its demands to the EU, but has not included any counter-concessions. The two sides are now trying to reach a basic agreement first, before working out the details later.
The EU has been Trump’s main target on trade issues since he returned to power earlier this year, with the president claiming that the bloc has “cheated” the US through unfair trade practices. Brussels has denied the accusations and pledged to act “firmly” against any “undue obstacles” to free and fair trade.
