European commissioner hopes EU and US can agree 'outline' of trade deal ahead of July 9 deadline

Michael McGrath said experience shows that comprehensive trade agreements take a long time to complete

The US administration has threatened to hit EU goods with a 50% tariff, with US president Donald Trump lashing out at the bloc.

There may not be enough time for a “comprehensive” trade deal between the EU and US ahead of the July 9 deadline, Ireland’s European commissioner has said.

Michael McGrath has said he hopes the EU and US can at least agree an “outline” of a trade deal ahead of the deadline.