The European Union is racing to clinch an agreement with the Americans before tariffs kick in on Aug. 1, even as President Trump has signaled he is in no rush.

The European Union has warned that its trade with the United States could be effectively wiped out if Washington makes good on its threat to slap a 30% tariff on goods imported from the bloc.

“Trump is trying to divide and scare Europe, but if we raise our heads now, there will be division in the American camp, even among his most important supporters, because many companies in key electoral districts would be damaged by our response,” Benifei said in the interview.