German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday regarding the progress being made by EU and US negotiators convening in Washington to resolve the transatlantic trade dispute.
Merz welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin, indicating that the two European leaders would discuss “trade policy, on which we are currently hearing that decisions may be forthcoming.”
US President Donald Trump has warned of a potential 30% tariff on European goods if the transatlantic partners fail to reach an agreement by August 1.
The EU has sought to address trade concerns with Washington through dialogue, while also formulating specific measures for retaliation if necessary.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Wednesday that progress was being made in the tariff negotiations, with discussions scheduled between the bloc’s chief trade negotiator and his American counterpart.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic’s discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday afternoon followed Brussels’ announcement that it was preparing to implement over $100 billion in counter-tariffs should the negotiations not succeed.
Bessent, who is among the leading US officials interacting with key trading partners, conveyed a positive outlook on Bloomberg Television.
“Discussions are progressing better than before,” he remarked. “I believe we are making significant strides with the EU.”
