Trump Delays 50% Tariff on EU Imports After ‘Very Nice Call’ with von der Leyen President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he has agreed to delay a planned 50% tariff on European Union imports until July 9, following what he described as a “very nice call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Speaking to reporters at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey, Trump said von der Leyen requested more time to pursue serious trade negotiations. “She said, ‘Could we move it from June 1 to July 9?’ I agreed to do that,” Trump explained. “She said we’ll get together quickly and see if we can work something out.”

The announcement marks the latest instance of Trump threatening major tariffs—causing market uncertainty—only to later delay or walk back the measures. As recently as Friday, Trump had insisted he wasn’t looking for a deal and confirmed the 50% tariff would begin June 1. That move followed a previously announced 20% reciprocal tariff in April, which was also postponed.

Shortly after speaking with reporters, Trump posted on Truth Social that “talks will begin rapidly.” Earlier that day, von der Leyen wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she had a “good call” with Trump and emphasized the importance of the U.S.-EU trade relationship. “To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9,” she said.

Following news of the delay, Asian markets reacted modestly. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by up to 0.8%, South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.9%, and China’s Shanghai Composite edged up 0.3%. Taiwan’s TAIEX and Australia’s ASX 200 remained relatively flat, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dipped by 0.3%.

The U.S. has long maintained a trade deficit with the European Union, which reached nearly $236 billion last year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Trump has repeatedly criticized what he calls “non-monetary trade barriers” and policies he believes unfairly disadvantage the United States.

On Sunday, Trump also commented on recent remarks by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding U.S. manufacturing. “We’re not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts,” Trump said. “We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things. We want to do the AI thing with computers.”

US trade deficit in goods with the EU