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Arab News
17 hours ago
- Arab News
Trump's meeting with a key European official comes as his tariff deadline nears
EDINBURGH: Donald Trump is meeting Sunday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, taking a break from golfing in Scotland to discuss trade as both sides seek an agreement on tariff rates now that the White House's deadline to impose stiff tariff rates is looming. Trump played golf Saturday at his course in Turnberry on the southwest coast of Scotland and is expected to hit the links again frequently during his five-day visit. On Tuesday, he'll be in Aberdeen, in northeast Scotland, where his family has another golf course and is opening a third next month. Trump and his son Eric are planning to help cut the ribbon on the new course, where public tee times starting Aug. 13 are already on offer. The visit with von der Leyen is expected to be behind closed doors and few further details have been released. Leaving the White House on Friday, Trump said 'we have a 50-50 chance, maybe less than that, but a 50-50 chance of making a deal with the EU.' He said the deal would have to 'buy down' the currently scheduled tariff rate of 30 percent on the bloc of 27 member states. Later, von der Leyen posted on X that, 'Following a good call' with Trump, the pair had 'agreed to meet in Scotland on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations, and how we can keep them strong.' The US and EU seemed close to reaching a deal earlier this month, but Trump instead threatened a 30 percent tariff rate on the bloc of nations. Still, Trump's original deadline for beginning such tariffs has already passed, and is now delayed until at least Friday. Flying to Scotland to enjoy his golf courses hasn't stopped the president from talking trade. After going to Turnberry to play nine holes, have lunch, then play nine more, Trump posted that he'd block any trade deals between the US and Cambodia and Thailand since the two southeast Asian countries remain locked in violent clashes in long-disputed border areas. Trump wrote that he spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting prime minister of Thailand, to call for a ceasefire. 'I am trying to simplify a complex situation!' he wrote on Truth Social after disclosing his conversation with the Cambodian leader. After speaking with Wechayachai, Trump said both countries want peace and added: 'Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural.' The actual likelihood of a deal with the EU, meanwhile, remains to be seen. Trump recently said he thought the odds of reaching a framework with Japan was 25 percent — but the US and Japan subsequently announced an agreement this past week. The president also bragged earlier in his term that he would leverage constant threats of steep US tariffs around the globe to negotiate better rates and shrink trade deficits with some of Washington's key allies. But, so far, that effort has fallen well short of expectations, meaning the onus may be on Trump to be able to announce an agreement with a bloc as key to global commerce as the EU. Trump is also set to meet Monday in Scotland with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, after the two announced a trade framework in May and a larger agreement last month during the G7 in Canada. Trump says that deal is concluded and that the pair will discuss other matters — though the White House has suggested it still needs some polishing. Without an EU deal, the bloc said it was prepared to retaliate with tariffs on hundreds of American products, ranging from beef and auto parts to beer and Boeing airplanes. If Trump follows through on his threat of tariffs against Europe, it could make everything from French cheese and Italian leather goods to German electronics and Spanish pharmaceuticals more expensive in the US


Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Trump, EU Chief Set for Crucial Trade Talks in Scotland
US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet in Scotland on Sunday, with the aim to resolve a prolonged transatlantic trade standoff that has persisted for months. Both leaders hope to establish a trade deal that benefits their respective economies. In a bid to reduce the United States' trade deficits, Trump has threatened to impose punitive tariffs on numerous countries, insisting that these tariffs will take effect if a trade agreement is not finalized by 1 August, as the EU faces a potential 30% levy, prompting them to negotiate vigorously with the Trump administration. Announcement of the Meeting Von der Leyen announced the meeting on X, stating, 'Following a good call with POTUS, we have agreed to meet in Scotland on Sunday to discuss transatlantic trade relations,' in what could a critical step in maintaining strong economic ties between the US and the EU. Trump arrived in the UK late Friday and confirmed his meeting with von der Leyen, expressing optimism about the discussions, stating, 'I'll be meeting with the EU on Sunday, and we'll be working on a deal.' He praised von der Leyen, calling her 'a highly respected woman,' and emphasized the importance of the upcoming negotiations. The Stakes of the Meeting Trump acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that the chances of reaching a deal stand at '50-50,' mentioning that sticking points remain on 'maybe 20 different things.' However, he remains hopeful, stating, 'If we make it, that would be, actually, the biggest deal of them all.' This high-level meeting follows extensive negotiations between top EU and US trade officials, with recent signals suggest that both sides are moving closer to an agreement. European diplomats indicate that the proposed deal may involve a baseline 15% US levy on EU goods, similar to the agreement reached with Japan earlier this week. Paula Pinho, von der Leyen's spokesperson, confirmed that 'intensive negotiations' have occurred at both technical and political levels leading up to the meeting, stating, 'Leaders will now take stock and consider the scope for a balanced outcome that provides stability and predictability for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.' Impact of Tariffs on the EU The EU has faced multiple waves of tariffs since Trump returned to the White House, with the EU currently endures a 25% levy on cars, a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, and a 10% tariff on various goods as Trump threatens to increase this tariff to 30% if no deal is reached. The EU aims to avoid sweeping tariffs that could further harm its already sluggish economy. The trading relationship between the US and the EU is worth approximately 1.6 trillion euros ($1.9 trillion) annually. EU member states have authorized the European Commission to pursue a deal to prevent hefty US tariffs, with retaliation considered a last resort. To maintain pressure during negotiations, EU states recently supported a package of retaliatory measures on $109 billion (93 billion euros) worth of US goods, which will begin in stages from 7 August if no agreement is reached. Most EU states prefer a deal over no deal, even if it involves undesirable levies of 15%. Key Exemptions Under Discussion Exemptions for specific sectors remain crucial in negotiations as diplomatic discussions include potential carve-outs for aircraft, steel, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural goods. Regarding steel, a compromise may allow a certain quota to enter the US, with amounts exceeding that subject to a 50% tax. Since initiating its tariffs campaign, Trump's administration has announced only five agreements, including those with Britain, Japan, and the Philippines. While EU hopes for a deal have risen, the looming 1 August deadline brings a sense of déjà vu. Earlier this month, EU officials believed they were close to an agreement before Trump escalated his tariff threats. An EU diplomat emphasized, 'The final decision is in the hands of President Trump.' Short link : Post Views: 28


Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Libya detains 1,500 undocumented migrant workers in raid near Tripoli
TRIPOLI: Libyan authorities detained on Saturday some 1,500 undocumented migrant workers in a raid on a neighborhood housing them east of the capital Tripoli, an AFP reporter saw. 'Saturday's inspections uncovered housing units where undocumented foreign workers were living,' Libyan labor minister Ali Al-Abed, who was present during the raid, told reporters. 'These workers, of various nationalities, had no residency permits, no official passports, and not even health records.' Libya has been gripped by conflict since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Muammar Qaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising. The country remains split between Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's government based in Tripoli and a rival administration based in the east. With Italy some 300 kilometers (186 miles) away, Libya has become a key launchpad for tens of thousands of migrants who risk their lives at sea trying to reach Europe. The area targeted in the sweep east of Tripoli housed makeshift encampments surrounded by high walls and a large gate. Hundreds of migrants — mostly Egyptians and sub-Saharan Africans — were said to have lived there. Inside the compound, an AFP journalist saw a small grocery store, a butcher shop and vegetable vendors. The labor minister said the site had 'unregulated housing that fails to meet basic requirements for decent accommodation, health and workplace safety.' The detained migrant workers will be 'transferred to centers run by the Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority, and legal proceedings will be initiated against them according to national regulations,' Abed said. It remained unclear whether the migrants would be immediately deported. Earlier this month, a European Union commissioner and ministers from Greece, Italy and Malta were in Libya to discuss irregular migration from the North African country. Migrants intercepted by Libyan authorities, including in international waters before reaching the Italian coast, are forcibly returned to Libya and held in detention under harsh conditions frequently condemned by the United Nations.