Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, held discussions on Friday with U.S. counterparts Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, and Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

This conversation follows a recent statement by President Donald Trump, who threatened to terminate the 90-day truce on tariffs against the European Union, potentially increasing them from the current 20% to 50%.

Trump attributed the lack of progress in negotiations between the European Commission and Washington as a catalyst for his remarks.

In response, Sefcovic rejected Trump's threats, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in EU-U.S. trade relations.

He stated via social media that, "The trade between the EU and the U.S. is unmatched and must be guided by mutual respect, not by threats," further asserting, "We stand ready to defend our interests." Sefcovic underscored the EU's commitment to negotiating an agreement beneficial to both sides, although he acknowledged that optimism regarding a pact to prevent the imposition of tariffs is waning.

Recent negotiations have been complicated by ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and other countries, including the United Kingdom and China, where the U.S. has maintained a base tariff of 10%.

Consequently, the European Commission is preparing a list of potential adjustments, amounting to €95 billion, as they brace for more structural changes in transatlantic trade relations.

This initiative aims to outline goods and products that may face additional tariffs should negotiations with the U.S. stall.

On social media, Trump stated, "Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a direct 50% tariff on the European Union, effective June 1, 2025." This assertion adds a new dimension to the anticipated talks between Sefcovic and U.S. officials, suggesting a tense atmosphere surrounding the negotiations.

Despite consistent communication efforts among trade negotiators, frustrations persist within the European Commission.

There is a growing concern that a single message from Trump could undermine extensive technical work aimed at building trust between parties.

This week, the Directorate-General for Trade, led by Sabine Weyand, submitted a new trade proposal to the U.S. administration, with reports indicating that the EU did not acquiesce to many American demands, including the removal of digital taxes by certain member states.

This proposal is perceived as one of the factors prompting Trump's aggressive rhetoric.

Additionally, the European Commission has sought to address mutual understanding regarding the U.S. trade deficit with the EU. The U.S. tends to focus solely on the trade balance of goods, where the EU holds a significant surplus.

However, Sefcovic points out that the U.S. also excels in services, and if both sectors are balanced, the deficit gap reduces to €50 billion.

He has offered to facilitate purchases and investments within the U.S. to help align this difference, though this proposal has not satisfied American demands.