EU and US at Odds Over Tariff Talks Amid Economic Tensions

European officials are increasingly confronting the reality of a 10% rate on "reciprocal" tariffs as the baseline in trade negotiations with the United States, according to five sources familiar with the discussions. President Donald Trump has implemented extensive tariffs on trade partners, aiming to reduce the U.S. goods trade deficit with the EU. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the baseline rate for reciprocal tariffs covering most EU exports to the U.S. will not fall below 10%.

EU negotiators are actively seeking to lower this rate, but face difficulties, especially as the U.S. reaps financial benefits from global tariffs. "10% is a challenging issue. We're pressing them, but they are now earning revenue," noted an EU source.

Despite the EU's lack of formal acceptance of a 10% baseline, altering this rate remains arduous. Both the press and industry observers await comments from the European Commission and the U.S. government. In the absence of a resolved agreement, sectors such as automotive and pharmaceuticals face significant financial strain.

(With inputs from agencies.)