On July 4, it emerged that European automakers and several EU governments were actively engaged in talks with the United States, aiming to secure a tariff reduction agreement while fostering greater investment from the EU in the American market. According to reports, the EU must secure a trade deal with the Trump administration by July 9, or face the prospect of tariffs on exports to the US potentially escalating to 50%. Following negotiations held in Washington this week, EU member states were briefed on Friday about the progress made, revealing that both parties were nearing a technical agreement in principle.