Donald Trump has escalated his demands in trade negotiations with the EU, pushing for a minimum tariff of 15 to 20 per cent in any deal with the bloc, according to three people briefed on the talks.

Trump has escalated his demands on the EU following weeks of negotiations over a possible framework deal, the FT reported.

President Trump is reportedly pushing for higher blanket tariffs on imports from the European Union, throwing a wrench in negotiations ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline for sweeping duties to take effect. The Financial Times reported that Trump wants a minimum of a 15% to 20% tariff on EU goods as part of any deal.