In a significant development in the United States and European Union trade, they sent a letter to this week, marking the first positive indication of intentions for negotiation with the bloc, with the aim of resolving their trade war. The information was revealed by four EU diplomats in.
This move is the first substantive commitment by its government after the temporary suspension of mutual duties imposed on a series of products. The letter responds to a list of possible concessions that the European Union has already proposed in particular, including regulatory relaxations and joint efforts to limit Chinese overproduction.
One of the diplomats stressed that the main obstacle to date was the lack of a “road map” on the American side, which first demanded a clear EU bid to start negotiating. The US letter seems to fill this gap, paving the way for dialogue.
The European Commission, for its part, has proposed reciprocal duties to US products worth up to 95 billion euros, including wines, aircraft, cars and chemicals, while consulting Member States and businesses to finalize these measures. The President of the Commission has repeatedly stated the EU’s will for diplomatic resolution, but also warned of the Union’s readiness to react in the event of a escalation.
The US government has already imposed 10% duties on a wide range of European products, as well as 25% on cars and metals, with the threat of duties to 20% if no agreement is reached by the beginning of July. Trump seeks to reduce the transit trade deficit, which attributes to Europe’s unfair practices, describing the EU as one of the key US commercial opponents.
So far, talks between European Commissioner for Trade Maros Shefkovic and US officials, including the Minister of Commerce Howard Lutnik, have failed to make substantial progress, with three rounds of negotiations not leading to an agreement.
Trump’s attitude remains tough, with Europe under pressure to maintain unity and avoid further charges from duties, while trying to manage geopolitical challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and the growing Chinese influence.
The US letter to the Commission is a first positive indication that, despite the difficulties and tensions, there is room for dialogue and a possible agreement in the future, opening a new chapter in transatlantic trade relations. The coming months will decide whether the two sides will be able to bridge their differences or whether the trade war will escalate further.
