Donald Trump expressed a desire for a change in America’s trade dynamic, arguing that the US had been unfairly exploited for too long. He aimed to rebalance relationships through tariffs, targeting China, Africa, and Europe in particular. This was meant to be implemented June 1st with a 50% surcharge on all European imports, sparking concern and preparation of retaliatory measures from Brussels. However, a decisive phone call between President Trump and Ursula von der Leyen shifted the balance. Her diplomatic efforts secured a delay on tariffs, giving both sides time for negotiations to reach an agreement by July 9th. This reprieve has kept the world in suspense, as the trade war remains simmering beneath the surface.