Trump warned of steeper tariffs on countries that “play games” with a US court ruling, as the European Union signalled it would pause approval of a key transatlantic trade deal amid uncertainty over Washington’s tariff policy.
As the European Union signalled it would put a key trade deal with Washington on hold, US President Donald Trump warned that countries attempting to “play games” with a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court could face steeper tariffs.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said nations that had long “ripped off” the US would be met with “much higher tariffs, and worse” than those previously agreed, adding a “buyer beware” message after the court struck down several tariffs from his administration.
The warning came as the European Parliament moved to freeze approval of a major transatlantic trade agreement until there is clarity on how the ruling affects tariff arrangements. Negotiators prepared to formalise the pause after multiple political groups backed delaying a vote that had been expected to remove tariffs on US industrial goods.
Trade committee chair Bernd Lange convened an urgent meeting to halt legislative work on the deal, a move supported by the centre-right European People’s Party and other blocs. Lawmakers said the pause would remain until the European Commission clarifies the ruling’s implications and outlines the EU’s response.
The developments follow Trump’s decision to temporarily raise a global import duty to 15 percent, fuelling concern that European exports could face higher levies. Several lawmakers said the agreement cannot proceed until Washington’s trade policy becomes clearer.
The trade pact, negotiated last year between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aimed to reduce tariffs across key sectors and deepen transatlantic economic ties. However, uncertainty over US tariff policy and legal challenges has stalled the ratification process, leaving the future of the agreement in doubt.
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