Donald Trump Slaps 30% Tariff on EU Imports, Sparks Global Trade Showdown
Donald Trump is rattling the global trade table again. The former president has announced a sweeping 30% tariff on all imports coming from the European Union, effective 1 August.
The move has already triggered stern warnings from Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded swiftly, saying the bloc is prepared to take “proportionate countermeasures” should the tariff be enforced.
In a public letter to EU leaders, which he posted on his Truth Social account, Trump expressed his views directly.
He stated, “We have spent years discussing our trading relationship with the European Union, and we have concluded that we must move away from the long-term, significant, and persistent trade deficits caused by your tariff and non-tariff policies, as well as trade barriers.
Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal.”
Alongside this, a similar 30% levy is also being introduced on imports from Mexico, marking a sharp escalation in Trump’s protectionist approach.
“I don’t believe Mexico has done enough to stop the US from turning into a ‘narco-trafficking playground’,” Trump wrote in a separate letter.
Von der Leyen didn’t hold back. She warned the proposed tariffs would “disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains” and hurt businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Still, she stressed that the EU remains open to dialogue — at least until 1 August.
“We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
Her stance echoed across the continent. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the announcement “very concerning and not the way forward,” adding on social media: “The European Commission can count on our full support.
As the EU we must remain united and resolute in pursuing an outcome with the United States that is mutually beneficial.”
Trump’s tariff spree isn’t new — nor is the confusion it often creates. On his self-declared “liberation day” back in April, he launched what he termed “reciprocal tariffs” on trade partners with imbalanced deals.
That included a 20% tariff on EU goods, which was later paused, reducing it to 10%.
In May, frustrated by slow-moving talks with the EU, he even floated a potential 50% tariff, only to pull back again in favour of fresh negotiations.
But this time, the tone is different. Sharper. Mexico’s economy ministry confirmed it had been notified and is already working with US officials to explore alternatives. A bilateral working group is reportedly trying to resolve the dispute before the 30% tariff kicks in.
Yet, as negotiations continue, concern is mounting among economists and global manufacturers. From French cheese and Italian fashion to German tech and Spanish pharmaceuticals, the new tariffs could cause prices to surge and create fresh supply chain chaos.
Behind Trump’s move is a familiar refrain: America First. He insists that longstanding trade deficits are a “national security threat”. That rhetoric, however, is drawing criticism across the political and economic spectrum.
With August fast approaching, the world watches. If talks fail, the EU could retaliate with its own list of tariffs — hitting US exports like beef, auto parts, beer, and even Boeing aircraft.
A fragile trade truce is hanging by a thread. And once again, Donald Trump is at the centre of the storm
