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EU ambassadors are set to discuss a critical minerals memorandum with the US. The talks face tension between capacity and trust, further complicated by US President Donald Trump's new tariff investigation targeting 60 economies including the EU.

EU to Discuss Critical Minerals Agreement Amid Challenges

Ambassadors from the EU's 27 member states are scheduled to meet in Brussels this week to deliberate on a memorandum concerning critical minerals with the United States. These discussions are expected to unfold against a backdrop of tension, particularly regarding the balance between capacity and trust within the bloc. The negotiations are further shadowed by a significant trade threat from US President Donald Trump, who recently announced a tariff investigation targeting 60 economies, including China and the EU, citing issues of overcapacity and forced labor.

Trump's Tariff Threat Complicates EU Endeavors

President Trump's unexpected announcement of a new tariff investigation has created a stir in Brussels, adding a layer of complexity to the EU's external dealings. This new threat is likely to influence the ongoing deliberations among EU member states as they work towards a critical minerals agreement. The EU is now navigating internal challenges of building capacity and trust, while simultaneously confronting external pressures from the United States' tariff policies.

*Source: SCMP (2026-03-15)*

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