EU chiefs may not be able to agree a deal on Donald Trump’s tariffs ahead of the looming July 9 deadline.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen admitted bloc members were ready for an agreement.
But she conceded it may not be possible before taxes on all European goods and services kick in next month.
Speaking after an EU summit, Von der Leyen said: “Our message today is clear — we are ready for a deal.
“At the same time, we are preparing for the possibility that no satisfactory agreement is reached.
“We will defend the European interest as needed. In short, all options remain on the table.”
However, shortly after the EU boss expressed her fear an agreement may not be possible in time, the Trump Administration suggested the date wasn’t set in stone
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “Perhaps it could be extended, but that’s a decision for the president to make. The deadline is not critical.”
Ms Leavitt also said that the president could “simply provide these countries with a deal if they refuse to make us one by the deadline”.
She added that Mr Trump can “pick a reciprocal tariff rate that he believes is advantageous” for the US.
Trump has threatened to impose crippling tariffs on all EU goods from July 9 unless the two sides reach a deal, repeatedly accusing the EU of “ripping off” the US.
Most EU goods already face a 10 per cent tariff, with levies of 25 per cent on cars and car parts and 50 per cent on steel and aluminium.
Despite the tariffs deal fears, most EU leaders have stressed the importance of reaching an agreement, while also vowing to defend European interests if necessary.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “Getting a deal is important for certainty so that we know the landscape ahead of us and that industry knows the landscape ahead of it, so that we can protect jobs — our number one priority.”
He added: “There is no painless tariff war. Obviously, we have made a response to any retaliatory list.
“Europe has to be united going into these negotiations, but I detect an atmosphere that’s focused on getting a deal, both on the US side and on the EU side.”
