United States (US) President Donald Trump on Saturday announced plans to impose 30 percent tariffs on imports from the European Union (EU) and Mexico, effective from August 1, intensifying tensions with two of the United States' most key trading partners.
In a series of his social media posts, Trump justified the move as part of his broader campaign to rebuild the US economy. He argued that the US has long been exploited in global trade and insisted the tariffs are necessary to correct trade imbalances and protect national security.
The announcement follows Trump's previous decision to pause tariffs for 90 days to allow for negotiations. With that grace period ending this week, Trump is now moving forward, though implementation has been slightly delayed.
Addressing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, he acknowledged Mexico's cooperation on border security and drug trafficking but insisted it hadn't done enough to prevent the US from becoming a "Narco-Trafficking Playground." In his letter to the EU, Trump accused the bloc of maintaining unfair trade policies and persistent trade deficits, calling the relationship "far from reciprocal."
EU and Mexico criticise Trump's proposed 30 percent tariff
The European Union (EU) and Mexico have expressed their disappointment at US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30 percent tariffs on their imports from 1 August, reports the BBC.
Mexico criticised what it called Trump's "unfair deal" and insisted its sovereignty was non-negotiable.
European Union's Chief, Ursula von der Leyen, threatened to take "proportionate countermeasures," if needed. Both said they wanted to keep negotiating with the US.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the EU's unity, while Swedish and Danish leaders condemned the tariffs as short-sighted and harmful to global stability.
If implemented, the tariffs could affect nearly every sector of transatlantic and North American trade. In 2024, trade between the US and EU totalled $2 trillion, with key European exports including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, aircraft, and wine.
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