The call could impact talks between the EU and US this evening when Maroš Šefčovič, the bloc's Trade Chief, is due in Washington.

It is understood that the EU hopes to talk the Trump administration down from 50% tariffs, with the deadline for relief on the threat expiring next week.

Earlier today, the US secretary of treasury Scott Bessent told reporters “we will see what we can do", when asked about the meeting, according to Reuters.