The United States is pushing the European Union to choose between aligning with the US or China in trade matters. This is evidenced by briefings circulated to senior EU officials after a meeting between US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris. The US strategy appears to be decoupling from China, requiring any nation seeking a US trade deal to distance itself from Beijing.
The US is proposing a trade deal with the EU, but this deal requires the EU to reduce or eliminate non-tariff barriers, such as stringent product standards (including food standards like those for beef and chicken). While the EU is unlikely to compromise on these standards, the US is expected to impose specific tariffs on pharmaceutical imports.
EU officials responded by stating that it would be inappropriate to impose further tariffs during negotiations. Despite preparing for a worst-case scenario where tariffs remain long-term, the EU is also actively pursuing a deal to suspend existing tariffs. Further talks have occurred between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, emphasizing the EU's commitment to reaching a deal.