The EU’s top trade negotiator Maroš Šefčovič is jetting to Washington on Wednesday, July 16th, for talks with his U.S. counterparts as the bloc renews its push to settle the transatlantic tariffs standoff.
“Šefčovič is flying to DC this afternoon, for separate in-person meetings” with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, said European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill.
President Donald Trump threw months of EU-U.S. talks into disarray at the weekend by threatening a 30% levy on European goods from August 1 if the transatlantic allies don’t strike a deal.
Leading up to Saturday’s missive, Brussels thought it was on the cusp of closing a deal with Washington, but EU officials remain hopeful they can reach an agreement by the end of the month.
The EU has until now sought to tackle trade tensions with the United States through negotiations, but has prepared retaliatory tariffs if no deal is made.
On Monday, Brussels shared with EU states a list of U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros that could be hit by levies—with several capitals urging the bloc this week to toughen its stance.
The 202-page document, seen by AFP, lists big-ticket items like U.S.-made aircraft, cars, chemicals, and electrical equipment alongside sundry other items, such as live bees, camels, parrots, condoms, and opium.
