by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The European Union ministers agreed to prioritise negotiations with the United States to avoid the imposition of 30% tariffs, which the EU trade chief warned could severely disrupt trade.

US President Donald Trump announced on 11 July that these tariffs would take effect from 1 August, though there remains a window for reaching an agreement to prevent this outcome.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is committed to continuing negotiations while preparing for all possible outcomes, including proportionate countermeasures if necessary.

She highlighted the disruptive impact such tariffs would have on essential transatlantic supply chains, businesses, and consumers.

Meanwhile, Trump warned that higher tariffs could be imposed if countries retaliate.

In addition, the EU decided to postpone its response to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium, allowing more time for negotiations.

The suspension of the EU's countermeasures, initially set to expire on 14 July, has been extended until early August.