Optimism Grows in EU-U.S. Trade Deal Amid Meloni's Meeting with Trump
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Trump express optimism about a trade deal while addressing NATO spending and Italy's geopolitical role.
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Meloni quickly jumps in and deflects to Italian defence spending, saying she will raise it to 2% as per Nato targets.
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The original tariff plan slapped 20% duties on goods from the European Union, but Trump announced on April 9 a 90-day pause on those tariffs where duties would be reduced to 10% as countries work to hash out trade deals with the U.S.
Trump says '100%' chance US will strike trade deal with Europe as Meloni visits DC
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Trump announced a 24 percent reciprocal tariff on Japan and a 20 percent reciprocal tariff on the European Union.
Trump Details 'Productive' Trade Talks with Japan, Mexico
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President Trump expressed optimism about a deal with Europe before the end of a 90-day pause in steep global tariffs.
Trump says he's optimistic about a trade deal with Europe
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Trump's administration has said that more than 75 nations have sought to make new trade agreements with the U.S. since the president announced his reciprocal tariff plan in early April.
Trump predicts trade deals with China, EU as he declares 'nobody' can compete with the US
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Despite the differences on Ukraine and defense spending, Meloni is seen by some in the U.S. administration as a vital bridge to Europe at a difficult moment for trans-Atlantic relations.
Trump says he’s in ‘no rush’ to end tariffs as he holds talks with Italy’s Meloni
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The talks come a day after Trump met with Japanese officials and spoke with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum.
Trump tariffs live updates: Trump says he's 'very confident' on trade deal with EU
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Despite the differences on Ukraine and defense spending, Meloni is seen by some in the U.S. administration as a vital bridge to Europe at a difficult moment for trans-Atlantic relations.
WATCH LIVE: Trump meets Italy's Meloni in meeting at White House as Europe seeks bridge to U.S.
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As a European leader, Meloni has the opportunity to open the way for more in-depth and constructive U.S.–EU trade talks.
Trump to Host Italian Prime Minister Meloni at White House Amid US–EU Trade Tensions
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Meloni is just one of dozens of leaders scrambling to react to Trump’s sweeping global tariffs.
Hard-right friendships tested as Italy's Giorgia Meloni seeks a break on trade from Trump
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The hope not only in Rome, but in EU capitals across the 27-nation bloc is likely that Meloni can persuade Mr. Trump not to impose the steep tariff hikes he's threatened, which could devastate European economies.
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Summary
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with U.S. President Trump on April 17, 2025, aiming to bridge the trade gap between the EU and U.S. Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal before the end of a 90-day pause on tariffs, emphasizing that fair agreements are essential. Meloni, representing the EU, discussed Italy's defense spending, pledging to meet NATO's 2% GDP target. The meeting builds on Meloni's previous criticism of tariffs while managing Italy's economic ties with the U.S. Amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S. trade policies, the summit raised concerns among EU allies about the trade and geopolitical implications.
Perspectives
Trump and Meloni discussed the need for a trade deal before the expiration of a 90-day tariff pause, with both leaders expressing optimism about reaching an agreement.
Meloni is attempting to act as a bridge between the EU and US, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and seeking a balanced approach to negotiation.
The two leaders are also addressing NATO spending, with Meloni announcing plans to increase Italy's defense spending to meet NATO's 2% of GDP target.
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