Trade talks between the United States and the European Union progressed Wednesday as new U.S. metals tariffs heightened urgency in global negotiations. President Donald Trump’s decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs took effect the same day his administration sought revised trade proposals from partners ahead of additional levies planned for July.
EU trade negotiator Maros Sefcovic and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described their meeting in Paris as constructive, with technical discussions continuing in Washington. “The discussions are now very concrete,” Sefcovic said, while Greer noted the EU’s willingness to find a reciprocal trade solution.
The tariff hike, raising duties to 50% from 25%, affects all trading partners except Britain, which secured a preliminary agreement during a 90-day pause on wider tariffs set to expire July 8. Sefcovic expressed regret over the steel tariff increase, citing shared concerns over global overcapacity.
Trump’s trade policies have disrupted global markets, with China’s restrictions on critical mineral exports exacerbating supply chain concerns. BMW warned that shortages of rare earths were affecting its suppliers, while some European auto plants suspended output.
Trump also said Chinese President Xi Jinping is “extremely hard to make a deal with,” raising tensions ahead of a potential call between the two leaders this week.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are pressing trading partners to submit their “best offers” to avoid broad new import tariffs. Negotiations continue, but only Britain has reached a tentative deal, Reuters reported.