‘No rush to end tariffs’: Trump snubs EU pressure as Meloni seeks relief for Italian exports

Why did President Trump say he’s in ‘no rush’ to lift tariffs?

President Donald Trump has once again reinforced his hardline trade strategy, telling reporters he is in “no rush” to lift tariffs during a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House. The meeting, which took place amid broader concerns about the stability of transatlantic trade, focused in part on the economic strain placed on European exports by U.S. protectionist measures. Trump’s declaration signals an entrenched position that continues to shape the contours of U.S.-EU economic relations, particularly as European leaders advocate for tariff relief to safeguard key industries.

His remarks came against the backdrop of stalled progress in U.S.-EU trade negotiations. By suggesting that foreign governments are more eager than the U.S. to reach agreements, Trump positioned tariffs as both an economic tool and a geopolitical lever. Despite temporary rollbacks, including a 90-day reduction in EU tariffs from 20% to 10%, the president gave no indication that such measures would become permanent or expand in scope. The message was clear: any removal of trade barriers would be on Washington’s terms.

What are the stakes for Italy and the European Union?

For Italy and its EU counterparts, the stakes are especially high. Prime Minister Meloni’s visit was partly aimed at softening the impact of the U.S.’s tariff regime on Italy’s key exports, including luxury fashion, automotive components, and wine. Italy, the EU’s third-largest economy, remains heavily dependent on access to U.S. markets, and any sustained protectionist measures could undermine its post-pandemic recovery trajectory.

While Meloni framed her Washington visit as a diplomatic opportunity to “build bridges,” it became evident that the Trump administration has little interest in altering its broader strategy. Despite Italy’s repeated calls for a reconsideration of the tariff structure affecting premium exports, Trump reiterated the view that tariffs were increasing U.S. economic power. He further suggested that American consumers had not been significantly impacted—a claim contested by some economists who point to price inflation and reduced competitiveness for industries reliant on imported inputs.

How do tariffs fit into Trump’s larger trade strategy?

Tariffs have remained a cornerstone of Trump’s broader trade doctrine, shaped by his “America First” economic agenda. Since his first term, the former president has frequently used tariffs to extract concessions or rebalance perceived unfair trade practices. High-profile cases include levies against China, which triggered a prolonged trade war beginning in 2018, and auto tariffs affecting Europe and Japan.

In this context, the European Union—often painted by Trump as benefiting disproportionately from past trade deals—has found itself increasingly sidelined. Analysts have noted that the Trump administration’s tariff actions reflect a transactional view of foreign policy, where alliances are subordinated to economic outcomes.

Though the Biden administration pursued a more multilateral approach during its tenure, Trump’s re-election has ushered in a renewed wave of unilateralism. His latest comments suggest that tariffs may be used not only for economic objectives but also as leverage in unrelated negotiations, such as the ongoing dispute over Chinese tech firms like TikTok and Huawei, or broader geopolitical flashpoints including NATO burden-sharing and climate commitments.

What is the economic impact of prolonged tariff uncertainty?

The economic impact of prolonged tariff uncertainty has not been uniformly distributed. While some U.S. manufacturers have benefited from temporary relief from foreign competition, many downstream sectors have struggled with elevated input costs and disrupted supply chains. Industries such as agriculture, retail, and automotive have expressed concern over retaliatory measures from trade partners, with some European countries imposing reciprocal tariffs on American goods.

For European economies, especially those with high exposure to U.S. demand, the continuation of tariffs threatens not only individual sectors but also investor confidence. Italian exports like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, olive oil, and fashion items have already faced trade friction during previous rounds of tariffs under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act. If these tariffs persist or are expanded, the ripple effects could reach across the EU’s internal market, further straining the bloc’s economic cohesion.

How does Meloni’s visit fit into broader EU-U.S. diplomacy?

Meloni’s outreach to the U.S. is part of a wider EU diplomatic push to restore more predictable transatlantic economic ties. With Europe still managing the fallout of the Ukraine conflict and trying to recalibrate its China strategy, maintaining a functional economic relationship with the U.S. is critical. However, Trump’s unwillingness to budge on tariffs casts a long shadow over the potential for renewed trade cooperation.

The prime minister also hoped to signal Italy’s willingness to act as a bridge between Brussels and Washington—a role that would help elevate Rome’s profile within the EU. But with Trump doubling down on tariff retention, it remains unclear whether such efforts will yield results. A Trump-Meloni joint press appearance failed to produce any concrete pledges on trade liberalization, reinforcing perceptions that economic diplomacy under the current U.S. administration is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

What does this signal for the future of U.S.-EU trade?

The future of U.S.-EU trade now hinges on whether European leaders can collectively navigate Trump’s preference for deal-making under pressure. While some in the EU may push for a unified negotiating stance, others—especially those heavily exposed to the U.S. market—may pursue bilateral avenues. This fragmentation could weaken the EU’s negotiating position and further embolden the U.S. to set terms unilaterally.

Observers note that with no major multilateral trade deals on the horizon, the global trading system is becoming more fragmented. The World Trade Organization (WTO), already sidelined by major economies, has offered limited recourse for members affected by Trump-era tariffs. As such, unless future talks yield a new framework for U.S.-EU trade, the threat of escalation remains a live risk.

Ultimately, Trump’s latest comments serve as a reminder that economic nationalism remains central to his policy playbook. For Italy and the broader EU, that means recalibrating their approach—balancing the need to protect domestic industries with the political realities of dealing with a protectionist White House.