Washington, April 18 — US President Donald Trump said he is in “no rush” to strike new trade agreements, pointing to the revenue generated by U.S. tariffs as a sign of strength.
Speaking alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he said, “We’re in no rush,” adding that the U.S. remains in a strong position because “everyone wants access to our market.”
Trump said that a deal with the European Union would be “easy,” but made no commitments on timelines.
“Agreements will come at a certain point,” he said.
Meloni, the first European leader to meet with Trump since he imposed—and then paused—a 20% tariff on EU exports, is walking a careful line. Though visiting as Italy’s head of government, she is also seen as an informal voice for the EU, which is seeking clarity on trade and security ties with Washington.
“We know we are in a difficult moment,” Meloni said in Rome ahead of the meeting. “Most certainly, I am well aware of what I represent, and what I am defending.”
The EU, which handles trade on behalf of member states, is pushing for a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement with the U.S. Trump’s administration, however, has raised objections to European trade practices, including value-added taxes and regulatory barriers.
Meloni’s goal, analysts say, is less about securing firm commitments and more about gauging Trump’s intentions should he win another term. “It’s a very delicate mission,” said Fabian Zuleeg, chief economist at the European Policy Center in Brussels. “Trump favors informal, personal talks that often become their own kind of negotiation.”
Despite political differences—especially on Ukraine, where Meloni backs continued military and economic support—she and Trump share common ground on issues like immigration and skepticism toward multilateral organizations.
U.S. officials expect defense spending to be on the agenda. Italy spends 1.49% of its GDP on defense, falling short of NATO’s 2% target. A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said Trump wants to discuss “how Italy’s marketplace can be opened up, but also how they can help us with the rest of Europe.”
Meloni has previously criticized U.S. tariffs, calling them “wrong,” and warned against a fractured Western alliance. “Dividing the West would be disastrous for everyone,” she said after a recent White House exchange between Trump and Ukraine’s president.
Italy has a €40 billion ($45 billion) trade surplus with the U.S.—its largest with any nation. Key exports include specialty foods like Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, and luxury fashion, all of which support Italy’s small- and medium-sized businesses, a core base of Meloni’s center-right government.
Antonio Villafranca, vice president of Milan’s ISPI think tank, said Meloni is likely to push for expanded economic cooperation. “She will focus on the strong trade and service ties, and possibly on importing more U.S. gas,” he said.
This week, EU Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič met in Washington with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Afterward, Šefčovič said on X that reaching zero tariffs would “require a significant joint effort on both sides.”
The U.S. had announced a 20% tariff on EU products but paused it for 90 days to allow talks. Meanwhile, the administration has increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% and maintained separate duties on products from Canada, Mexico, Japan, and others.
The uncertainty has taken a toll. Italy’s economic growth forecast for the year has been cut from 1% to 0.5% amid concerns over escalating trade disputes.
On the same day, Trump met with Japan’s trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, describing the meeting on social media as “Big progress!” but offering no further details.
China, in the meantime, is pursuing its own trade agreements, which analysts say could weaken Trump’s claim that tariffs will bring back U.S. manufacturing jobs and drive growth.
(With PTI Inputs)