President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a lack of progress in current trade negotiations.

"The E.U., formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the U.S. on trade, has been very to deal with."

The European Commission sought clarity from the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump recommended on Friday putting a 50% tariff on EU goods from June 1, with some European officials viewing the threat as a negotiating ploy.