Trump pushes for 15-20% minimum tariff on all EU goods

Donald Trump has intensified trade negotiations with the EU, demanding a minimum tariff of 15 to 20 percent instead of the proposed 10 percent.

Despite recent EU offers to reduce car tariffs, Trump remains firm on maintaining duties at 25 percent. This situation puts the EU in a tight spot with an August 1 deadline looming.

If Trump imposes a 30 percent tariff, the EU might retaliate, though opinions on countermeasures are divided.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concerns about the US's reluctance to create sector-specific rules.

Tensions are rising, with EU diplomats noting a shift towards retaliation as they prepare counter-tariffs on $21 billion of annual US imports.

The EU's trade policy remains uncertain as they weigh the impact of Trump's decisions on their economy.