European Commission President welcomes Trump’s tariff freeze

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause the introduction of new retaliatory tariffs, calling it an “important step towards stabilising the global economy.”

“I welcome the decision of US President Donald Trump to freeze retaliatory tariffs. Clear, predictable conditions are essential for trade and supply chains to function,” von der Leyen said in a statement on Thursday.

The Commission President reiterated the EU’s “long-standing support” for constructive dialogue with Washington and underscored the bloc’s commitment to free and fair trade.

“Tariffs are taxes that only harm businesses and consumers. That is why I have always supported a zero-tariff agreement between the EU and the US,” she added.

President Trump announced the 90-day tariff freeze in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, while simultaneously raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, signalling a hardening stance towards Beijing amid ongoing trade tensions.

The European Union had previously backed the introduction of retaliatory measures against the United States, set to come into effect on April 15.

Analysts say Trump’s latest move could create space for renewed negotiations between Washington and Brussels, though tensions with China are expected to escalate.