International-News

Trump duties, over 50 countries ready to negotiate: 20% tariffs from Wednesday

First 10% measures already in place. Von der Leyen: ‘EU is ready for proportionate countermeasures’. Netanyahu in Washington

More than 50 countries have contacted the White House to open negotiations on the new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. The 10% tariffs, already in place since Saturday 5 April, will be followed by higher tariffs – up to 20% – starting on Wednesday 9 April. The European Union and Italy are also among those affected.

According to Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the White House lines have been ‘inflamed’ by calls for dialogue. However, more cautious signals came from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who clarified to CBS: ‘The tariffs will remain in place for days and weeks. The president wants to reset global trade’.

Israel, hit by 17% tariffs, will be the first ally to discuss directly with Trump. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected in Washington for a summit that will also include Gaza and hostage issues. In addition to Trump, the Israeli leader will meet with Secretary Lutnick and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

On the European front, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s readiness to negotiate, but also warned that the Union is ready to ‘defend its interests’ with countermeasures. ‘Tariffs are a tipping point for the US and they also do damage to the most vulnerable economies,’ she said in talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The upcoming EU-UK summit on 19 May and the bilateral meeting between von der Leyen and Starmer in London on 24 April will be crucial occasions to define a common strategy in response to the new US protectionist line.

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