Eager to avoid a looming 20% tariff on its trans-Atlantic exports, the European Union has agreed to "intensify" trade talks with the United States after being accused of moving too slowly. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic gave the update Thursday before a meeting of EU trade ministers in Brussels, adding that he and his US counterpart Howard Lutnick were due to meet "very soon."

The EU summit was expected to solidify the bloc's position in negotiations to avoid the additional levies that kick in from July, after US President Donald Trump sealed his first deals since announcing so-called reciprocal tariffs on most global imports last month.

Following a tense standoff, Washington and Beijing reached a temporary deal last week, slashing punitive tariffs from over 100% to more sustainable levels. As negotiations for a long-term deal intensify, for the next 90 days Chinese goods entering the US will incur a 30% tariff, while exports from the US to China will face a 10% levy.

Days earlier, Trump secured the first outline of a trade deal since proclaiming April 2 as "Liberation Day," when he announced stiff worldwide tariffs. The broad pact with the United Kingdom reduces tariffs on British carmakers exporting to the US........

© Deutsche Welle