US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on European goods after July 4 if the European Union does not reduce its duties on American products to zero by that date. He made the announcement on his Truth Social account following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever! A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO! I agreed to give her until our Country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels,” Trump wrote.
The ultimatum date is symbolic: on July 4, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence.
Following the call with von der Leyen, both sides also addressed Iran’s nuclear program. “We are completely united that Iran can never have a Nuclear Weapon. We agreed that a regime that kills its own people cannot control a bomb that can kill millions,” Trump stated.
The escalation had been brewing for some time. As early as May 1, the president had threatened to raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the EU from 15% to 25%, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with the terms of the deal. The threat has now been extended to the full range of European goods.
The trade agreement between the US and the EU was concluded in the summer of 2025. Under its terms, the European Union agreed to duty-free imports of American goods, while Washington committed to capping its tariffs on European exports at no more than 15%. However, European countries have yet to ratify the agreement and it is precisely this that has prompted the current ultimatum.
