“Not Looking For a Deal”: Trump Pulls Plug on EU Trade Talks, Imposes Major Tariffs

President Trump on Friday unequivocally declared his disinterest in further trade negotiations with the European Union, announcing a severe 50% tariff on all EU imports, effective June 1. His statement, “I’m not looking for a deal,” marks a significant departure from diplomatic engagement, signaling a preference for direct punitive measures in trade relations.
The technology industry also faces a direct threat, with Trump warning of at least a 25% tariff on imported iPhones, potentially by late June. This threat stems from a direct message to Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging a shift of manufacturing to the U.S. The administration’s stance is clear: products not manufactured domestically will face substantial duties, a warning that extends to other major smartphone brands.
This latest move contrasts sharply with a period of de-escalation in early April, when previous broad tariff threats were put on hold. Despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s efforts to negotiate agreements and his hope that the EU threat would “light a fire” under talks, Trump’s definitive statement confirms a strategic shift towards bypassing negotiations and simply announcing new tariff rates, prioritizing unilateral action over traditional trade diplomacy.