The European Commission said on Thursday a negotiated trade solution with the United States is within reach - while EU members voted to approve counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) of U.

This week's U.S. trade agreement with Japan could provide a framework for a pact with the European Union, experts say.

Citi economist Katsuhiko Aiba said the U.S.-Japan trade deal could influence the course of talks with other major auto exporters, namely the EU and South Korea.

By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors are hopeful a potential trade deal between the U.S. and European Union could bring more certainty to markets ahead of next Friday's tariffs deadline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was set to meet U.