Part 3/11:
This diplomatic pause marks a significant shift from the previous tone, where Trump cited years of trade imbalances, regulatory hostility, and unfair policies disadvantaging American businesses as justification for the tariffs. The threat was ostensibly aimed at prompt negotiations to address issues like the US trade deficit with the EU, which he pegged at approximately $250 billion annually.
While the tariffs were seen as a leverage tactic to bring Brussels to the table, officials now see this period as a possible opening for renewed dialogue, though no immediate trade agreement has been announced. The reprieve could either pave the way for a breakthrough or postpone impending trade conflicts by six weeks.