The USA They sent a letter to the Commission, in a first indication that they are willing to participate in negotiations with the bloc in their trade war, four diplomats told Politico EU.

This move, which took place this week, is the first positive specific action by its government Donald Trump Since the two sides interrupted the wave of retaliation in duties. The letter is a reaction to a list of possible concessions that the European Union has privately stated that it is ready to offer, the diplomats said.

“The issue was the lack of guidance on the American side, which always required an EU offer for negotiations,” one of the diplomats said.

It is noted that the letter comes after the Commission last week presented a list of possible concessions – including joint efforts to limit Chinese overproduction.

Frustrated by the lack of commitment by the Trump government, Brussels also proposed reciprocal duties to US products worth 95 billion euros and are now consulting about EU countries and businesses.

It is recalled that Trump imposed a 10% duties in early April, along with 25% duties on cars and metals.

If the two sides do not reach an agreement by the beginning of July, a higher 20%duty will be imposed, as Trump seeks to balance the transatlantic trade deficit, for which he directly accuses the EU.

Intense negotiations on the 1.6 trillion trade relationship are expected. Euro, after a deal with the United Kingdom last week and its leading trade negotiator, Finance Minister Scott Besed, agreed to reduce three -digit duties in talks with Vice President of Chinese on the weekend.

So far, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Shefkovic has not made progress in three rounds of personal talks with Commerce Minister Howard Lutnik and US Commercial Representative Jameson Greer.