The U.S. and the European Union will absolutely strike a trade deal amid looming tariffs, according to President Donald Trump.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Washington comes amid a pause in harsh tariffs against the European Union and other countries that could go into effect in June. But Trump said the U.S. and the EU would lock down a deal before then.
“There will be a trade deal, 100%,” Trump told reporters at the White House Thursday. “Of course there will be a trade deal, they want to make one very much, and we’re going to make a trade deal. I fully expect it, but it’ll be a fair deal.”
When asked whether she viewed the U.S. as a reliable trading partner, Meloni said that she wouldn’t be visiting the White House unless that were the case. Meloni also voiced optimism about securing a trade deal with the U.S., and said her goal is to invite Trump to meetings on behalf of Italy and Europe to advance those talks.
“I think the best way is that we simply speak frankly about the needs that every one of us has and find ourselves in the middle for that’s useful for all,” Meloni told reporters Thursday.
Trump said that the U.S. had held discussions on trade with Japan on Wednesday and that discussions with “numerous” other countries are ongoing. Still, he said the U.S. is not in a rush to hash out trade agreements immediately.
“We’re moving along on trade very well,” Trump said Thursday. “The United States was ripped off and taken advantage of by every country in the world, practically. I mean, they have to say practically, but just about everyone. That’s not going to happen anymore, but we’re going to make fair deals.”
Trump also shut down questions regarding whether U.S. allies would align themselves closer to China in response to the tariffs. But Trump said he wasn’t worried about that happening.
“Nobody can compete with us,” Trump said.
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Trump has cozied up to Meloni, who visited Mar-a-Lago in January. He has previously praised Meloni’s leadership skills, and issued high praise again for her Thursday.
“I think she’s a great prime minister,” Trump said. “I think she’s doing a fantastic job in Italy. We were very proud of her.”
The White House has said that more than 75 countries have reached out seeking to negotiate trade deals with the U.S., after the Trump administration unveiled historic tariffs April 2.
The original tariff plan slapped 20% duties on goods from the European Union, but Trump announced on April 9 a 90-day pause on those tariffs where duties would be reduced to 10% as countries work to hash out trade deals with the U.S.
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Meloni has said Italy isn’t on board with the tariffs imposed on the EU, and is prepared to “deploy all tools” to protect Italian businesses.
Vice President JD Vance is also slated to meet with Meloni in Rome during a trip to Italy and India that will kick off on Friday. He is expected to discuss “shared economic and geopolitical priorities with leaders in each country,” according to a statement from his office.
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