“`html
Former President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1st.
He further warned that he would escalate import taxes should either of these key US trading partners choose to retaliate.
The EU, comprised of 27 member states and serving as America’s largest trading partner, had expressed hope earlier in the week for a negotiated agreement with Washington prior to the August 1st deadline.
This week, Trump also indicated that the US would levy new tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, also commencing on August 1st. Similar notifications were reportedly dispatched to several smaller US trade partners.
In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday, Trump stated: “We have dedicated years to discussing our trading relationship with the European Union and have come to the conclusion that a shift away from these long-term, substantial, and persistent trade deficits—resulting from your tariff, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers—is imperative.”
“Our relationship has unfortunately been far from reciprocal,” the letter further asserted.
The EU has frequently been the subject of Trump’s criticism. On April 2nd, he proposed a 20% tariff on goods originating from the bloc, as well as from numerous other trade partners. He subsequently threatened to elevate EU import taxes to 50% as trade negotiations faltered.
Washington and Brussels had aimed to secure an accord before a July 9th deadline, but no updates on progress have been released.
In 2024, the US trade deficit with the EU amounted to $235.6 billion (€202 billion; £174 billion), according to data from the Office of the US Trade Representative.
Von der Leyen stated that the EU remains prepared “to continue working towards an agreement by Aug 1”.
“Few economies in the world match the European Union’s level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices,” her statement added.
“We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed confidence in a statement that “a fair agreement” could be reached, adding: “It would make no sense to trigger a trade war between the two sides of the Atlantic.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated on social media that the EU “must remain united and resolute” in its aim to reach a “mutually beneficial” deal with the US.
Germany’s Association of the Automotive Industry voiced concerns about the potential for increased costs for German car manufacturers and suppliers, stating that it was “regrettable that there is a threat of a further escalation of the trade conflict.”
In his letter to Mexico’s leader, Trump asserted that the country had not sufficiently addressed the issue of North America becoming a “Narco-Trafficking Playground.”
“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough,” Trump added.
In his communications with both the EU and Mexico, Trump cautioned that any retaliatory import duties imposed on the US would be met with a corresponding tariff increase, exceeding the initial 30%.
Mexico responded to Trump’s threat on Saturday, characterizing it as an “unfair deal.”
Trump’s letter did not specify whether Mexican goods traded under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would be exempt from the proposed August 1st tariff increases, as the White House had indicated would be the case with Canada.
Earlier in the week, the White House had sent a letter to Canada threatening a 35% tariff.
As of Saturday, the Trump administration has now proposed tariff conditions on 24 countries and the EU.
While Trump’s administration has engaged in negotiations with trade partners for agreements, the former president has thus far announced the outlines of two such pacts with the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
A US citizen was beaten to death and a Palestinian shot and killed when Israeli settlers attacked Sinjil, the Palestinian health ministry says.
This was the first recorded death from the disease in Coconino County since 2007.
At least 121 lives were killed in the rapid deluge in the centre of the US state on Friday.
A mix of high temperatures, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation has fuelled the fire’s swift advance in Arizona, officials say.
The involuntary staff reductions are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
“`