Updated July 28, 2025 at 2:12 PM EDT
TURNBERRY and ABERDEEN, Scotland — In a strategic move towards economic diplomacy, President Trump announced a new trade agreement with the European Union following discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his golf course in Scotland.
This deal, pivotal in reshaping transatlantic trade, stipulates that most EU goods exported to the U.S. will encounter a 15% tariff, a reduction from the previously threatened 30% tariff. In exchange, the EU agreed to import U.S. goods without imposing tariffs, as per Trump’s statement.
“This was the big one. This is the biggest of them all,” Trump emphasized to reporters.
While specific details of the pact remain pending, Trump noted exclusions for steel, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals, citing ongoing global policies. However, von der Leyen contradicted, indicating that the 15% tariff would indeed extend to pharmaceuticals, alongside adjustments such as U.S. quotas for European steel and reduced tariffs on these goods. She also highlighted the “zero-for-zero tariffs” agreement on strategic items like aircraft, semiconductor equipment, and certain agricultural products.
As part of the accord, the EU committed to purchasing $750 billion in U.S. energy and investing $600 billion in the American economy, Trump announced.
The agreement materialized after urgent negotiations between Trump and von der Leyen, coinciding with Trump’s golf visit to Scotland. This development follows Trump’s ultimatum for a 30% tariff imposition on EU imports by Friday.
Representing one of the largest trade partnerships globally, the EU and U.S. engage in approximately $4 billion worth of trade daily, as highlighted by former EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.
Trump Addresses Gaza Crisis
During the same media interaction, Trump was queried about Israel’s role in facilitating food entry into Gaza. He sidestepped a direct response but pointed out the U.S.’s recent $60 million aid contribution, lamenting the lack of acknowledgment.
“Nobody gave but us. And nobody said, ‘Gee, thank you very much.’ And it would be nice to have at least a thank you,” Trump remarked.
He mentioned the U.S. would extend further aid to Gaza, urging other nations to also contribute.
Trump criticized Hamas, attributing the region’s hunger issues to them. “If we weren’t there, I think people would have starved. Frankly, they would have starved. And it’s not like they’re eating well, but a lot of that food is getting stolen by Hamas,” he stated.
The President is set to further discuss the Gaza situation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.
Copyright 2025 NPR
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