After U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs, the European Union welcomed the move but made it clear that it would now shift its focus toward trading with non-U.S. countries, which make up the bulk of global trade. The pause came just hours after the tariffs officially took effect on Wednesday. Trump’s decision effectively gives countries a window to negotiate trade deals with the U.S. The White House mentioned that around 50 countries have been interested in entering talks. Following the announcement, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the pause was a positive step and emphasised that stable and predictable trade conditions are crucial for the smooth functioning of supply chains. She also pointed out that tariffs are taxes that hurt everyone involved.

“Tariffs are taxes that only hurt businesses and consumers. That’s why I’ve consistently advocated for a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the European Union and the United States. The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade,” stated Von der Leyen.

At the same time, Von der Leyen stated that the EU plans to broaden its trade ties beyond just the United States. Right now, the U.S. remains the EU’s biggest trading partner.

“At the same time, Europe continues to focus on diversifying its trade partnerships, engaging with countries that account for 87 per cent of global trade and share our commitment to a free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,” spoke Von der Leyen.

Last week, Trump introduced the most extensive tariff set in almost a hundred years that the U.S. has seen. He placed a 10% tariff on all imports and targeted certain countries with even steeper rates. Interestingly, he spared longtime U.S. rivals like Russia and North Korea but imposed heavy tariffs on close allies and partners instead. India and South Korea were hit with 26% tariffs, Japan with 24%, the European Union with 20%, and Israel with 17%, among others. China was hit the hardest, facing a 34% tariff on top of an existing 20%, and Trump has since raised tariffs on China two more times. At present, Chinese goods are subject to a staggering 125% tariff.

Just hours after the newly announced tariffs took effect on Wednesday, Trump declared a 90-day pause on most of them. Once this pause ends, most countries will be hit with a 10% tariff on the bulk of their trade with the U.S. However, the 25% tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminium will still stay in place. Canada and Mexico will continue to face 25% tariffs on products not included in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), but they’ll be exempt from the 10% tariffs that now apply to other countries, according to the White House.