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 is pushing for 15–20 per cent tariffs on EU imports, rejecting recent offers. Talks stall ahead of the August 1 deadline, as both sides prepare countermeasures, raising fears of a potential trade war.

The EU says the U.S. is resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached with U.S. by Aug. 1.