There has been no significant progress in the ongoing trade discussions between the EU and the US, according to EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, as Donald Trump prepares to begin issuing letters to trade partners outlining their respective tariff levels, possibly starting today, reports RTE.
In a social media post, Mr Šefčovič stated that he was on his way back to Brussels following meetings with US officials in Washington DC, and confirmed that the talks would resume.
The two sides have until 9 July to come to an agreement or face the risk of a deepening trade conflict, reports RTE.
Mr Šefčovič and his delegation were in Washington DC holding talks with US Trade Secretary Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Early this morning, he shared an update on social media, saying he was concluding what he called a productive week and would now return to Brussels.
Without offering any further insight into how close the sides were to an agreement, he reiterated that negotiations were ongoing. Their objective remains “a good and ambitious transatlantic trade deal”, reports RTE.
At the launch event for the Danish EU Presidency yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that, at most, an agreement in principle might be reached before next Wednesday’s deadline, pointing out that a full trade deal between such large economic partners would typically require far more time.
Mr Trump has warned that European goods could face tariffs of up to 50% if an agreement is not reached, reports RTE.
The European Commission is believed to have accepted a 10% minimum tariff on EU exports and is working to secure a range of exceptions and special arrangements for important industries like aerospace, medicine, and microchips.
President Trump announced that he is ready to begin notifying trade partners of their tariffs as early as today, reports RTE.
“My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they’re going to be paying,” he told reporters last night.
“It’s just much easier,” reports RTE.
So far, the Trump administration has only completed trade arrangements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and a temporary easing of steep tariffs has been agreed between the US and China.
During a US television appearance last night, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained vague on the issue, saying the US would “see what we can do” when questioned about a trade pact with the EU, reports RTE.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris is in Berlin to meet with newly appointed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
Their meeting will cover topics including the EU-US trade deal efforts, the Middle East conflict, the war in Ukraine, European defence and security matters, competitiveness, and the upcoming EU budget, reports RTE.
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