The EU appears close to finalizing a trade agreement with Donald Trump after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed plans to meet the U.S. president during his four-day visit to Scotland.
Trump was expected to arrive Friday evening ahead of the launch of his new golf course in Aberdeenshire and was already set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.
According to the European Commission, von der Leyen’s trip followed an invitation from Trump. Meanwhile, Ireland’s leader, Micheál Martin, expressed optimism that an agreement could be finalized before the end of the weekend.
Before departing for Glasgow aboard Air Force One, Trump had initially suggested the likelihood of a deal with the EU was uncertain but later noted that negotiations were progressing with effort, raising hopes of resolving trade tensions.
During his remarks, Trump commended Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, while commenting on French President Emmanuel Macron’s cooperation, though he dismissed the significance of France’s recent recognition of Palestine as a state.
Trump emphasized his eagerness to meet Swinney, describing him as “a good man” and expressing admiration for Scotland, citing familial ties to the country.
He hinted at further concessions from the EU, drawing a comparison to Japan’s negotiations, which yielded an agreement after additional compromises. Von der Leyen stated that she and Trump had discussed trade relations in a prior call and planned to meet Sunday to strengthen transatlantic ties.
Observers suggested Trump would not meet with von der Leyen unless an agreement was imminent.
Trump also indicated potential adjustments to the existing U.K. trade deal, leading to speculation about the removal of a 25% steel tariff. He described planned discussions as refinements beneficial to both nations while expressing optimism about collaborative efforts.
Regarding EU negotiations, Trump tempered expectations, referencing past outcomes with Japan as an example of uncertainty turning into agreement. The EU anticipates a preliminary deal involving 15% baseline tariffs, affecting exports like automobiles, which may face higher costs compared to British-made vehicles such as Range Rovers.
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