Evening Briefing Europe

Europe Eyes US Trade Agreement Ahead of Deadline

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A European Union (EU) flag outside the headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. European Union countries have been at pains to show a united front in the face of Trump’s broadsides.Photographer: Liesa Johannssen/Bloomberg

The European Union and the US believe they can agree a trade deal before July 9 , the deadline by which Washington is threatening to impose 50% tariffs on almost all EU products — which would trigger a series of countermeasures from the bloc.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen privately told EU leaders yesterday that she was confident a deal could be reached before the deadline to avoid an economically damaging escalation, according to people familiar with the matter. During the meeting there was a shift in tone from leaders, with many saying they would accept some imbalances to avoid the situation getting worse.