As one of the European Union's top negotiators, Sabine Weyand has battled Britain over Brexit and driven tough trade talks around the world. But as Europe seeks a deal to avert further U.S. tariffs, the EU's most senior civil servant for trade acknowledges one fundamental obstacle: Donald Trump's endgame remains a mystery.

The European Union is ready to talk to US President Donald Trump before making any more decisions on retaliatory tariffs, Ireland’s deputy prime minister said.

As tariffs "ramp up", those in Europe will "suffer most" because the EU's most important industries – cars, electrical equipment, appliances – are "exactly those where China has built the biggest advantages" and is "in position to grab the biggest piece" of any available "trade surplus pie".