247 - US President Donald Trump said on Monday (14) that he is open to discussions with trading partners before the higher tariffs unilaterally applied by his own administration take effect on August 1, noting that European Union authorities are on their way to the United States for talks. The information was released by the Reuters agency.

"They would like to make a different kind of deal, and we're always open to talking, including with Europe. In fact, they're coming here. They'd like to talk," Trump said, after threatening to impose unilateral tariffs on Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and EU countries.

The statement comes amid a meeting between the US president and the secretary-general of the Western military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte, in the Oval Office of the White House.

Trump has escalated his trade war in recent days, including threats against Asian economic powers Japan and South Korea.

However, according to Reuters, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett admitted that Trump himself"wanted to see better deals" to avoid the new tariffs.