Reuters, Brussels: The European Union will not receive a letter from the United States setting out higher tariffs, EU sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday, and is eyeing possible exemptions from the US baseline levy of 10%.
Some EU sources said the bloc was close to an agreement with the Trump administration.
This could involve limited concessions to US baseline tariffs of 10% for aircraft and parts, some medical equipment and spirits in an eventual deal with the Trump administration, three sources familiar with the situation said on Monday.
Such an arrangement would benefit German carmakers that have large US plants.
The European Commission, which had aimed for a balanced and broader trade agreement with the United States, briefed EU envoys late on Monday that EU countries faced a choice between accepting an unbalanced deal or facing more uncertainty.
The EU currently faces 50% US tariffs on its steel and aluminium exports, 25% on cars and car parts and 10% on most other products. The US is also looking into further tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.