EU Pushes for Respectful Trade Deal as Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs

The European Union says it wants a fair trade deal with the US. It wants talks based on respect, not threats.

This comes after US President Donald Trump said he may put a 50% tax on goods from the EU.

EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic said the EU wants a deal that works for both sides. He spoke after talking to US trade officials.

He said, "EU-US trade is very strong. We must treat each other with respect, not threats. We will protect our own interests."

Earlier on Friday, Trump said he was unhappy with slow talks. He said the new tax plan would start on June 1.

On social media, Trump said talks with the EU are "going nowhere." He said there would be no tax for goods made in the US.

"I'm not waiting for a deal. The deal is done," he told reporters. But he added that a big investment from Europe could change his mind.

The EU is a major trade partner of the US. It sold over $600 billion in goods to the US last year. It bought $370 billion in return.

European leaders warned the US. They said higher taxes would hurt both sides.

Ireland's leader, Micheál Martin, said, "We should not go this way. Talking is the only real solution."

France’s trade minister said, "We want peace, but we are ready to act if needed."

Germany’s economy minister said the EU must try hard to find a solution.

The Dutch prime minister said he supports the EU's plan. He added that the US often changes its taxes during talks.

The EU is dealing with the US as one group. But Stephen Moore, a former Trump advisor, said the US might try to deal with EU countries one by one.

Moore also said Trump wants to move the world away from China’s power. He called this a good goal.

In early April, Trump added a 20% tax on many EU goods. He paused the full tax for three months, until July 8, to give time for talks. But a 10% tax is still in place.

Some higher taxes on China are still there, though a few were cut.

The US still has a 25% tax on EU steel and aluminum.

The EU had planned a 25% tax on €18 billion of US goods. But it has paused this for now.

It is also thinking about new taxes on €95 billion more in US goods.

Trump says the EU sells more to the US than it buys. He thinks this is unfair to US companies. He talks a lot about cars and farm goods.

Trump also warned Apple. He said iPhones not made in the US could get a 25% tax, and later said all smartphones could be taxed.

Stock markets dropped after Trump’s comments. The S&P 500 in the US fell 0.7%. Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 fell over 1.5%.