Any trade deal with US must be based on ‘respect not threats’, says EU commissioner

Maro efovi's remarks come after pace of talks prompted Trump to propose 50% tariff on goods from bloc

The European Union's trade chief has struck a defiant tone after Donald Trump threatened to place a 50% tariff on all goods from the bloc, saying any potential trade deal between Brussels and Washington must be based on respect not threats".

The US president made his announcement after voicing frustration with the pace of progress on a trade agreement with the EU. The new rates would come into effect from 1 June.