Trump agrees to delay 50% tariff hike on European Union imports until July 9

Speaking to reporters in New Jersey late on Sunday, the US president said the delay was to allow time for “serious negotiations” with the bloc. “(Mrs von der Leyen) called me… and she asked for an extension on the June 1 date,” Mr Trump said.

“She said she wants to get down to serious negotiations because… I’ve told anybody that would listen, they have to do that. “We had a very nice call and I agreed to move it… I believe July 9 will be the date, that was the date she requested.

“She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.” In a later post on his Truth Social account, the president said: “I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union.