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President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday to discuss tariff plans with the European Union.
Meloni, who attended Trump’s January inauguration, seeks to negotiate on behalf of European nations facing new costs in doing business with the U.S. following the president’s announcement of “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2.
“We know this is a difficult time,” Meloni said ahead of her trip, the BBC reported. “We will do our best – I am aware of what I represent and of what I am defending.”
The European Union has until July to persuade the president to rescind his 20 percent “reciprocal tariffs” announced on April 2 before he temporarily paused the measure for 90 days following widespread international backlash.
Despite the pause, the EU remains subject to a 10 percent baseline tariff imposed on all U.S. trading partners, in addition to 25 percent duties on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Global leaders were not completely surprised by the tariffs. The president had long promised aggressive trade measures during his campaign, and in the lead-up to April 2, EU officials reportedly floated a zero-tariff agreement in an effort to dissuade him from implementing the new duties.
The visit is also important for Italy’s economy. According to Fox Business, the U.S. is the nation’s top non-EU market, valued at $76 billion.
Meloni’s trip comes just one day after Trump and other administration leaders met with a delegation from Japan on tariffs.
“A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!” the president wrote on Truth Social.
In a Thursday post, Trump stated, “Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday. Likewise, I met with the highest level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting. Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy!”
On Tuesday, Trump argued that his tariffs are already seeing positive results.
“The United States is taking in RECORD NUMBERS in Tariffs, with the cost of almost all products going down, including gasoline, groceries, and just about everything else. Likewise, INFLATION is down. Promises Made, Promises Kept!” he wrote.
