EU negotiators are closing in on a trade deal with Donald Trump that would cement higher tariffs than those granted to the UK, a Brexit dividend that has rattled some European capitals.
Brussels is ready to sign a temporary “framework” agreement that sets the US president’s “reciprocal” tariffs at 10 per cent while talks continue, matching the baseline duty imposed on the UK.
But the EU is not expecting to achieve the same access to the US market as British steel, cars and other products subject to sectoral duties, according to six diplomats briefed on the issue. Trump, who championed the UK’s 2016 decision to leave the bloc, is also demanding 17 per cent tariffs on EU agrifood products.