Trump Gives EU July 4 Ultimatum on Trade Deal or Face Tariff Hike

President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to the European Union: ratify the trade deal by July 4, or face substantially increased tariffs. The President made his position clear in a statement on Thursday, indicating that he has spoken with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen regarding the stalled agreement.

Trump emphasized that the deadline coincides with the United States' 250th birthday, a symbolic date for American independence. He expressed impatience with the EU's protracted process of finalizing the pact, which was initially struck last July. The deal, intended to set tariffs on most EU goods at 15 percent, requires final agreement from all 27 member states, a step that has proven challenging.

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I've been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever!

This ultimatum follows Trump's previous threats to raise duties on EU cars and trucks to 25 percent, citing the bloc's alleged non-compliance with the agreement. The rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, currently held by Cyprus, has indicated a desire to maintain positive momentum, with talks scheduled for May 19.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to voice his frustration, stating, "I've been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever!" He reiterated that the EU had promised to cut their tariffs to zero as part of the agreement. Despite conditional approval from the European Parliament in late March, the deal's implementation hinges on negotiations with individual EU states.

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A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!