British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned President Trump’s “deeply disappointing” tariffs on steel and aluminum imports during a tense phone call Monday, during which the two leaders agreed on the need to discuss trade at the G7 summit this week.
The 30-minute phone call was described as “constructive” by a Downing Street spokesperson, despite May’s criticism of the “unjustified” tariffs. A readout of the call provided by the White House said trade was discussed but did not mention any acrimony.
“The President further underscored the need to rebalance trade with Europe and expressed hope for a Brexit deal that does not increase tensions on the Northern Ireland border,” the readout said.
Trump is set to attend a G7 summit in Canada this week before heading to Singapore for his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The summit will take place amid growing backlash to the president’s decision last week to proceed with increased tariffs on the United States’ European partners, Canada and Mexico.
The EU responded to the move last Friday by promising to make good on its own threat to impose new tariffs on a variety of American-made goods, including denim, bourbon and motorcycles. European officials have also said they intend to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
Trump is scheduled to make his first presidential visit to the United Kingdom in mid-July, during which trade negotiations with the EU will be continuing.
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