President Trump published two new letters on Truth Social, enacting 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico, effective August 1st. The repercussions of these tariffs could be significant if ultimately enacted, as Mexico and the EU are major trade partners of the U.S.
Trump Administration Slaps 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico
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Trump Imposes 30% Tariffs on the EU and Mexico
The Trump Administration has clarified the conditions the U.S. will follow as part of its trade relationship with two of its largest commercial partners: the European Union (EU) and Mexico.
Using Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump published two new letters directed to EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, communicating his decision to impose a 30% tariff on imports from these two jurisdictions.
Regarding the EU tariffs, Trump referred to the trade deficit that the U.S. currently maintains in its relationship with the region, highlighting that this 30% levy is necessary to address this disparity.
In the case of Mexico, Trump stated that while Mexican authorities have been working to secure the border and mitigate the threat of drug-trafficking cartels, these actions have not been sufficient.
He stated:
Mexico still has not stopped the cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a narco-trafficking playground. Obviously, I cannot let that happen.
When considered as a whole, the EU is currently the largest commercial partner of the U.S., accounting for over $600 billion in imports last year. Mexico was the top exporter to the U.S., with over $500 billion in imports in 2024.
Von der Leyen declared that such a tariff would “hurt businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” emphasizing that the EU would continue working towards reaching an agreement before August 1st. Nonetheless, she stated that they were “ready to safeguard EU interests based on proportionate countermeasures.”
Sheinbaum, on the other hand, downplayed this move and expressed confidence that her administration could secure a better deal with the U.S. in the coming days as bilateral discussions continue. “We’ve had some experience with these matters for several months now. I think we’re going to reach an agreement with the United States government,” she concluded.
This week, Trump also published letters announcing 50% and 35% tariffs to Brazil and Canada, respectively.
Read more: Trump Administration Imposes 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports
