President Donald Trump announced that he granted an extension to the European Union on a looming 50% tariff after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised to speed up trade talks.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump indicated that the new deadline for a trade deal would be July 9, adding that it was his “privilege” to give the extension.
“I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union. I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he said.
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The extension on the 50% tariff is a significant shift from just two days ago when Trump recommended the levy after saying trade negotiations between the two were going “nowhere.” The U.S. president had initially set a deadline of June 1 for the EU to negotiate or the massive tariff would take effect.
Shortly before Trump’s announcement on Sunday, von der Leyen described the call with Trump as “good” and said “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively.”
