EU 'won't be intimidated' by Trump 50% tariffs threats

THE EU has warned it will not be intimidated into an agreement with the US, as fears grow of a renewed transatlantic trade war.

- By Marco Giannangeli

It follows President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on all EU imports, which the UK would escape thanks to Brexit.

EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the bloc was “fully engaged” in talks based on “mutual respect, not threats” with Washington. He added: “We are working towards an agreement that benefits both sides. But we are also prepared to defend our interests.”

'I'm not looking for a deal, we've set it'

He was speaking after a call with US trade representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Trump said the higher tariffs would take effect from June, adding: “I’m not looking for a deal — we've set the deal.”