Trump comments on prospects of US–EU trade deal

President Trump said on Friday, July 25, that there was a 50-50 chance, perhaps even less, of reaching a trade deal with the EU, speaking shortly before he departed for a four-day visit to Scotland.

Trump added that any agreement with the EU would require the bloc to "lower its tariffs."

As part of his visit, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss the possibility of a new trade agreement.

To avoid a new transatlantic trade war, the European Union is reportedly prepared to agree to a baseline tariff rate of 15% on most goods, including automobiles.

Von der Leyen said she had a "good conversation" with Trump on Friday and that they agreed to meet in Scotland to discuss transatlantic trade relations and how they can keep them strong.

Trump's visit to Scotland

President Trump departed for Scotland on Friday, July 25.

During the visit, he also plans to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and play golf at his Turnberry resort. This trip serves as a prelude to Trump’s second official state visit to the United Kingdom, scheduled for September, during which he is expected to visit Windsor Castle at the invitation of King Charles III.

Tariff negotiations

British businesses have been affected by the 10% blanket tariff imposed by Trump on imports of all goods and services into the United States from more than 180 countries.

Additionally, the US introduced a separate 25% tariff on car imports, a major blow to the UK, as vehicles represented its top export category during the first nine months of 2024.

The United States signed a trade agreement with the United Kingdom on May 8, the first among dozens of countries facing the new US tariffs.

A key deadline looms on August 1, by which time the US must conclude individual trade deals with each country affected by the tariffs.