Donald Trump ‘100% confident’ on trade deal with Europe after meeting Italy's Giorgia Meloni

The 27-nation European Union faces 25% import tariffs on steel, aluminium, and cars and broader tariffs on almost all other goods.

Published on: Apr 18, 2025, 10:15:59 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was 100% certain of an eventual trade deal with Europe, showcasing the most confidence he has expressed in these negotiations.

President Donald Trump meets with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP)

Trump's statement came after his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday. According to a report by news agency Reuters, each expressed confidence that a deal could be negotiated before the 90-day tariff pause ends.

Also Read: 'We're in no rush…' says Trump as he holds tariffs talk with Italy PM Meloni

“Of course, there will be a trade deal, very much,” the report quoted Trump as saying to reporters at the Oval Office after talks with Meloni, a close conservative ally. “They want to make one very much. And we are going to make a trade deal. I fully expect it. And it will be a fair deal.”

The 27-nation European Union faces 25% import tariffs on steel, aluminium and cars, with broader tariffs on almost all other goods.

However, Meloni, who has positioned herself as an intermediary between the US and Europe, noted that she could not lock in a deal for the full EU, though she did say that frank discussions could help resolve trade disputes, which have strained US-European ties.

Also Read: ‘It’s a shame’: Donald Trump speaks on FSU shooting ahead of Meloni talks

Trump also said that all countries are on his priority list when it comes to trade deals. He added that a deal with China is also expected.

Meloni also said that Trump had accepted her invitation to visit Italy in the near future, according to the report. She would also be hosting Vice President JD Vance in Rome on Friday.

She is in the middle of a balancing act as she is currently facing pressure to protect Italy's export-driven economy, which ran a 40 billion euro ($45.4 billion) trade surplus with the US last year.

Also Read: Meloni, Europe’s Trump Whisperer, Tries Her Hand on Tariffs

Meloni however, must also be seen as defending the interests of the whole 27-nation EU bloc.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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