'A Deal Is A Deal' Von Der Leyen Urges Trump To Honour 15 Pct EU Tariffs

YEREVAN, May 5 (Bernama-dpa) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Washington to honour its commitments under last year's deal to curb US tariffs, after US President Donald Trump threatened to raise duties on cars over alleged breaches by the bloc, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

"On the European Union (EU) side, we are now in the final stages of implementing the remaining tariff commitments," von der Leyen said on Tuesday.

"At the same time, the US has the commitment, for example, where alignment with the agreed ceiling is still outstanding," she said during a visit to Yerevan. 

Trump announced on Friday that he intends to raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the EU to 25 per cent, arguing that the EU is not adhering to a trade agreement that limits US tariffs on most EU products to 15 per cent. 

He did not elaborate on what the reported violations are.

The EU has rejected this accusation and threatened the US with retaliatory measures should it implement the announced tariff increases on EU goods.

"A deal is a deal, and we have a deal," von der Leyen said, adding that "we are prepared for every scenario".

Trans-Atlantic relations have become increasingly strained since Trump's return to office last January, with mounting disputes over issues such as Greenland, tariffs and European countries' refusal to participate in the war on Iran.

-- BERNAMA-dpa