Dollar Dips as Markets Cheer Trump’s Delay of EU Tariff Hike

The U.S. dollar edged lower against its major counterparts on Monday as markets reacted positively to President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone a planned 50% tariff on European Union imports. The move boosted risk sentiment, sending U.S. equity futures higher and helping the euro gain ground.

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) fell sharply in early Asian trading before recovering most of its losses during the session. The EUR/USD pair rose as much as 0.5% before settling 0.1% higher at 1.1378 by the end of the day.

Trump’s decision to delay the tariff hike until July 9 came after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who reportedly urged the U.S. leader to provide more time for negotiations.

Trump described the call as “very nice” and said von der Leyen had expressed her desire for serious talks. He noted that she had requested the postponement from the original June 1 date, and that he had agreed.

This marks a reversal from Trump’s stance on Friday, when he declared he was “not looking for a deal” and intended to proceed with the 50% tariff rate. That tariff was to follow a 20% reciprocal tariff Trump had imposed in April, which itself had been delayed, alongside other trade measures.

The delay offers a temporary reprieve for global markets, with both European stocks and U.S. futures bouncing on the news. However, analysts caution that the risk of renewed tensions remains, with the July deadline now the next key focus.