U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to delay his plan to accelerate the imposition of a 50% import tariff on goods from the European Union, following a direct request from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump announced that he would extend the trade talks deadline until July 9, 2025, aligning with the original timeline he had set back in April.

The decision, made on Sunday, May 25, 2025, comes just two days after Trump threatened to implement the high tariffs as early as June 1, citing frustration over the slow pace of trade negotiations between the U.S. and the EU.

This threat had caused turmoil in global markets and raised fears about a resurgence of a transatlantic trade war.

Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that von der Leyen contacted him via phone and personally asked for the new tariff deadline to be postponed.

“She told me that we would meet soon to see if we could reach a deal,” Trump said, according to Reuters on Monday, May 26, 2025.

He added that he agreed to the request and still saw the possibility of securing a better trade agreement in the near future.

Von der Leyen also shared a message on her X social media account, noting that the conversation with Trump was “positive” and that the EU is “ready to move quickly” in trade negotiations.

Back in early April 2025, Trump had set a 90-day timeline for trade talks with the EU, which was scheduled to conclude on July 9. However, his threat last Friday to bring the tariffs forward surprised many, as it deviated from that framework and risked destabilizing the relatively steady transatlantic economic relationship.

On Friday, Trump had expressed disappointment with the slow progress in trade talks, announcing his intention to enact the new tariffs on June 1 as a means to pressure his European counterparts.

This declaration immediately triggered reactions in the stock market and heightened uncertainty in U.S.-EU trade relations.

The proposed 50% tariff increase on a range of European products—from vehicles and food to electronics—sparked widespread concern among business leaders and investors. Many worry that such tariffs could disrupt trade flows, raise consumer prices in the U.S., and provoke retaliatory measures from the EU.

Although the delay opens a window for further negotiations, many analysts believe that Trump remains committed to tightening trade policies, especially as he enters the second half of his second term, amid growing domestic pressure to bring back manufacturing jobs and reduce the trade deficit.

Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial trade agreement. She also indicated that the bloc would use the extra time to accelerate diplomatic efforts and trade negotiations.

Officials in Brussels are reportedly working on a new compromise package that includes adjustments to market access and protections for the EU’s strategic industries, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors.