The Trump administration sees tariff talks as a chance to pressure a rival into concessions. E.U. officials have acted as though they were dealing with an ally.

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a lack of progress in current trade negotiations.

President Donald Trump said he is recommending 50% tariffs on the European Union beginning next month, after saying trade talks “are going nowhere.” Trump levied a higher “reciprocal” tariff rate of 20% on the EU as part of his sweeping tariff plan unveiled at the beginning of April.