Brussels Edition

US Ratchets Up Pressure on EU With Car Tariff Threat

US signals it could soon impose auto tariffs and walk away from EU trade deal as ratification stalls
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen holds a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 23.Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Welcome to the Brussels Edition. I’m Sam Stolton, EU competition reporter with Bloomberg, bringing you the latest from the EU. Make sure you’re signed up.

The US is upping the ante against the European Union over accusations the bloc is stalling ratification of its transatlantic trade deal, with the threat of fresh vehicle tariffs looming large.

US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder told Bloomberg this morning that not only would the White House follow through “relatively soon” in imposing a 25% levy on European vehicles, but the US is also prepared to “walk away” from its deal unless EU negotiators ratify the accord with haste.