European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former US President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough tariff agreement following high-stakes talks at Scotland’s Trump Turnberry resort. “We did it – this is the most significant deal ever,” declared von der Leyen, while Trump hailed the EU’s commitment to invest $600 billion in the US and purchase $750 billion in American energy.
The negotiations concluded after under an hour of tense discussions, with both leaders acknowledging the deal hung in the balance until the final moments. The pact establishes a 15% base tariff covering automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals – though Trump contradicted von der Leyen on excluding pharmaceuticals. Strategic goods will face 0% duties.
Crucially, industrial metals remain contentious: Trump confirmed steel and aluminum tariffs will stay at 50%, while EU officials insist talks will continue “once the spotlight fades.” Both sides agreed to develop a tariff-rate quota system based on historical trade flows and coordinate against “unfair competition from third countries,” notably addressing global overcapacity.
Reactions split sharply:
– Italian PM Giorgia Meloni welcomed avoiding “frontal confrontation” but demanded details
– EU opposition parties condemned it as “capitulation to Trump”
– Germany praised preventing “needless escalation”
– Businesses warned of “severe impacts” on Italian exports
Von der Leyen framed the agreement as restoring stability amid “prolonged uncertainty,” emphasizing EU market access gains. However, she faces challenges securing unanimous backing from all 27 member states, with no compensation planned for hardest-hit sectors. The Commission now prioritizes accelerating trade pacts with Mercosur and Southeast Asia.
No official text has been released, leaving technical teams to resolve ambiguities in coming weeks.
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