United States President Donald Trump has given the European Union until July 4 to comply with the proposed trade deal, warning that otherwise the US would increase tariffs on the bloc. The announcement on Thursday followed what Trump described as a “great call” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to the “Historic Trade Deal” agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, and claimed the 27-country bloc has yet to finalize the agreement. “A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO! I agreed to give her until our Country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels,” Trump wrote.

On Friday, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25% from 15%, alleging the EU was not complying with the deal. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the automobile sector accounts for 8% of all trade between the US and the EU.

Under the original framework, the US would charge a 15% tax on most goods imported from the EU. However, following a Supreme Court ruling, the US regime has levied a 10% tariff while investigating trade imbalances and national security issues, aiming to impose new tariffs to compensate for lost revenues.

Trump and von der Leyen also discussed Iran, reportedly agreeing that Tehran can never have a nuclear weapon.

Source: www.aljazeera.com