EU and US Face Off: Tariff Talks Intensify Amid Upcoming Deadlines

The EU's Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic met with top U.S. trade officials to avoid steep tariffs. Prior talks have failed to change Trump's plans for U.S. import duties. Discussions focus on EU-U.S. trade relations and avoiding a trade war. Several countries are preparing concessions in response to Trump's tariff strategy.

In a bid to stave off impending steep tariffs, the European Union's trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic engaged in critical discussions with top U.S. trade officials. The meetings, held with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, aimed at securing a fair trade deal.

The backdrop to these talks is a looming trade conflict as President Trump plans to impose high import duties to align with major trading partners' rates. The EU seeks balanced negotiations rather than engaging in what's shaping up to be a retaliatory trade war.

Amidst this, some countries like India are poised to make tariff concessions, while Trump hints at potential breaks for various nations. However, the determination to navigate this potential trade upheaval remains firm, with the EU prepared to delay counter-measures in the face of possible escalations.

(With inputs from agencies.)