INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Washington this week, aiming to ease tensions over US tariffs on
European goods.Both leaders voiced strong confidence in reaching a trade agreement before the 90-day suspension on higher tariffs expires in
Trump stated he felt certain a deal would happen.Meloni positioned herself as a mediator, though she admitted she could not negotiate for
the entire European Union
The US currently imposes a 25% tariff on European steel, aluminum, and automobiles, along with a 10% general tariff on most other
imports.Trump justified these measures as a response to what he calls unfair barriers against American products
goods.However, they paused their implementation to allow negotiations to proceed
Trade Deal Amid Tariff Standoff
(Photo Internet reproduction)She stressed the importance of open dialogue and expressed hope that Italy could act as a bridge between the US
Trump, meanwhile, insisted he was not in a hurry to finalize a deal, arguing that tariffs benefit the US economy.Tensions Rise Amid Economic
and Security DisputesThe two leaders also discussed defense spending, energy imports, and broader economic ties
underlying positions remain far apart.The US demands a minimum 10% tariff on foreign imports, while the EU seeks a return to lower, mutually
The EU has also tightened safeguards to protect its steel industry and established a task force to monitor trade flows.The outcome of these
negotiations will have significant economic implications
Any failure to reach a deal risks escalating tariffs, which could disrupt supply chains and slow economic growth on both sides of the
Atlantic.The next three months will test whether business interests and diplomatic efforts can overcome entrenched positions and avoid a
