Trump's 30% tariffs against EU, Mexico to begin Aug 1

President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he's levying tariffs of 30% against the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. Trump announced the planned tariffs on two of the United States' biggest trade partners in letters posted to his social media account.

- Associated Press

They are part of an announcement blitz by Trump of new tariffs with allies and foes alike, a bedrock of his 2024 campaign that he said would set the foundation for reviving a US economy that he claims has been ripped off by other nations for decades. In his letter to Mexico's leader, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the US. But he said the country has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a “Narco-Trafficking Playground.”"Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough,” Trump added.

Trump in his letter to the European Union said that the US trade deficit was a national security threat. “We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and we have concluded we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies, and Trade Barriers,” Trump wrote in the letter to the EU.

“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.”

EU responds

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded by noting the bloc’s “commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership.” “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,” von der Leyen said in a statement.