President Donald Trump asserted in no uncertain terms that the United States and European Union are moving towards a conclusion on a trade agreement. He made this announcement while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a high-profile visit to Washington, D.C.
US Tariffs Temporarily Suspended in Trade Talks
The visit is opportune because the U.S. has initiated a 90-day pause on the imposition of high tariffs on EU member countries and other countries. The tariffs were initially slated for implementation in June but were postponed to allow space for trade negotiations to proceed.
Trump: 'There Will Be a Trade Deal, 100%''
There will be a trade deal, 100%," Trump said Thursday at the White House. "Of course there will be a trade deal. They want to make one very much, and we're going to make a trade deal. I expect it full well, but it'll be a fair deal."
Meloni: The U.S. Is a Trusted Partner
When asked if she is confident in trusting the U.S. as a trade partner, Prime Minister Meloni said, "I wouldn't be in the White House if I didn't." She continued to say that she wishes to involve Trump in future trade talks that would benefit both Europe and Italy.
Meloni Advocates Honest Negotiations
I think the best approach is that we simply talk candidly of the needs that we all have and meet somewhere in the middle — that's good for everybody," she said, advocating balanced and frank discussion among allies.
Global Trade Talks Underway
Trump also revealed that talks with other countries, like Japan, are underway. "We had trade discussions with Japan yesterday, and negotiations with many other countries are ongoing," he stated.
However, the president emphasized that the U.S. is not rushing into deals. “We’re moving along on trade very well,” he said. “The United States was ripped off and taken advantage of by practically every country in the world. That’s not going to happen anymore, but we’re going to make fair deals.”
Trump Dismisses China Concerns
When questioned about the possibility of allies drawing closer to China as a reaction to possible tariffs, Trump debunked the idea. "Nobody can compete with us," he claimed.
Trump Admires Meloni's Leadership
Trump complimented Meloni's leadership, referring to their previous encounter at Mar-a-Lago in January. "I think she's a great prime minister," he stated. "I think she's doing a fantastic job in Italy. We were very proud of her."
International Interest in Trade Agreements with the U.S.
Over 75 nations have shown interest in negotiating a trade agreement with the United States since the April 2 Trump administration declaration of sweeping tariffs, according to the White House.
Initially, a 20% tariff on EU goods was demanded. But on April 9, President Trump signed a 90-day moratorium lowering the tariff percentage to 10% to allow ongoing trade negotiations.
Conclusion: A Deal in the Making
With high-level discussions underway and confidence from both leaders, a U.S.-EU trade deal appears likely. Trump's assurances and Meloni’s diplomatic efforts reflect a shared commitment to finalizing a fair and mutually beneficial agreement.