There could be a tariff agreement - on the golf course

Donald Trump

The US and the EU could reach a tariff agreement as early as this afternoon

Olivia Birgander

Published 13.45

 

Donald Trump is in Scotland. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP

For months, the US and the EU have been negotiating about what tariffs the parties want against each other.

Now Trump has invited Von der Leyen to the golf course to conclude a trade agreement.

- Fifty-fifty, says Trump about the chances of a deal.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump invited European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to his Turnberry golf course.

Much is secret about the meeting, which is being held behind closed doors, but the leaders are expected to meet sometime in the afternoon. The goal is to conclude a trade agreement and it is expected to end up with tariffs of 15 percent.

During the morning, Trump took a round of golf. Then he was asked what he thinks about the chances of an agreement.

– Fifty-fifty, the president tells Sky News,

Threatened with 30 percent tariffs

Many companies in Europe had hoped for a “zero for zero” tariff between European and American goods, but that does not look like it will happen. At the same time, the US has previously threatened with 30 percent tariffs against the EU.

A preliminary meeting has been held ahead of Trump and von der Leyen’s meeting. UAS Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer have also traveled to Scotland and met EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

A source within Trump’s administration told the news agency Reuters that the US is “cautiously optimistic that an agreement will be reached.”

– But it’s not over until it’s over, the source says of the negotiations.