Some European politicians are dismayed that the European Union did not drive a harder bargain, but facing the threat of a damaging trade war, officials say they had little choice.

After a lot of big talk on trade, the Trump administration needed a big win. It appears to have just gotten one.

The United States and the European Union agreed to a 15 percent base tariff after weeks of negotiations, which were among the Trump administration’s most difficult discussions.

Both sides hailed the agreement as the biggest ever. But it will come at a cost to the European Union, and many details have yet to be nailed down.

German auto companies embraced greater clarity but warned that even the lower rate of tariffs agreed between Brussels and Washington would still hurt.

Some French cabinet members have aired their sharp disapproval of the deal, including the country’s prime minister who called it “a dark day.”

Questions, critiques and discrepancies are hanging over the framework agreement, but investors seem to view it as a win all the same.

Some European politicians are dismayed that the European Union did not drive a harder bargain, but facing the threat of a damaging trade war, officials say they had little choice.

A tactic of deference and praise, along with a studied attempt to avoid any public blowups, coaxed President Trump into changes on key issues like Gaza and Ukraine.

It’s a race against time for some of America’s top trading partners who are negotiating furiously to reach agreements by Aug. 1.