US' 30% tariff threat to EU fuels concern

Bloc says to pursue mutually beneficial outcome while remaining open for talks

The United States' threat to impose a 30 percent tariff on imports from the European Union starting Aug 1 has sparked widespread concern, with leaders and experts warning the move risks deepening global trade tensions and hurting economic stability.

In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will defend its interests, while insisting that the bloc still wants to reach an accord — and on Sunday delayed retaliation over separate US tariffs on steel and aluminum as a sign of goodwill.

The EU has "always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution", she said. "This remains the case, and we will use the time that we have now till Aug 1."