A senior German politician said on Sunday the European Union and Washington could negotiate further and postpone higher import duties after U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up the trade war by threatening a hike in tariffs on the bloc.

President Trump announced on social media that he is levying 30% tariffs against Mexico and the European Union. They are set to begin on August 1.

The European Union is awaiting clarity on the approach that President Donald Trump wants to take with respect to tariffs. According to a Reuters report, the EU is bracing for a tariff letter from the White House on Friday,

The European Union braced on Friday for a possible letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, outlining planned duties on his largest trade and investment partner after a broadening of his tariff war in recent days.

Shelving the plan could help EU persuade the U.S. to give it a more favorable trade deal and comes just two months after the Commission suggested it.

President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1 after weeks of negotiations with the key trading allies failed to reach a more comprehensive trade deal.

President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on the European Union and Mexico that will take effect on Aug. 1.