EU trade chief heads to Washington for a new round of trade talks

A technical team from the European Commission – which leads on trade for the 27-country bloc – had already travelled to Washington this week for more talks with US officials.

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EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič [Photo: Ansgar Haase/picture alliance via Getty Images]

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AFP Jul 16, 2025 14:39 2 min. read

News

Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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Languages: Spanish

The EU's top trade negotiator Maroš Šefčovič is jetting to Washington on Wednesday for talks with his US counterparts as the bloc renews its push to settle the transatlantic tariffs stand-off.

"Šefčovič is flying to DC this afternoon, for separate in-person meetings" with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, said European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill.President Donald Trump threw months of EU-US talks into disarray over the weekend by threatening a 30 percent levy on European goods from 1 August 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.

More talks

A technical team from the European Commission – which leads on trade for the 27-country bloc – had already travelled to Washington this week for more talks with US officials.

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 US 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 US-made aircraft, cars, chemicals and electrical equipment alongside various other items, such as live bees, camels, parrots, condoms, and opium.

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“I don't think, as a matter of principle, that the European Union should follow examples," said Leopoldo Rubinacci, a senior European Commission official involved in US trade negotiations.

(vib)

Languages: Spanish