EU calls for ’respect’ after Trump threatens 50% tariffs

The European Union's trade chief said the 27-member bloc is committed to securing a trade deal with the US based on "respect" not "threats".

It comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 50% tariff on all goods sent to the United States from the EU.

"The EU's fully engaged, committed to securing a deal that works for both," EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said after a call with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

"EU-US trade is unmatched & must be guided by mutual respect, not threats. We stand ready to defend our interests."

Earlier on Friday, Trump expressed impatience with the pace of ongoing EU-US trade negotiations, saying his plan to raise tariffs on 1 June was set.