Trump Imposes 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico Imports Starting August 1

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a new 30% tariff will be imposed on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. The decision comes after weeks of negotiations failed to produce a comprehensive trade agreement with two of the United States' closest trade partners.

Trump Makes It Official on Truth Social
Trump made the announcement through separate letters posted on his platform, Truth Social. This move follows a series of recent tariff declarations on other major trading nations, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil. He also introduced a 50% tariff on copper imports earlier this week.

EU Disappointed, Still Hoping for a Deal
The European Union, which had been preparing for this outcome, had hoped to finalize a broad trade agreement that would include eliminating tariffs on industrial goods. But after months of tough negotiations, EU officials now believe that a full agreement may be out of reach — at least for now.

Mixed Reactions Within the EU
The 27-nation EU bloc remains divided. Germany is pushing for a quick resolution to protect its industries, while countries like France are warning against accepting a one-sided deal tilted in Washington’s favor.

EU Commission Chief Responds Strongly
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the new U.S. tariffs, warning they could severely disrupt transatlantic supply chains. “These 30 percent tariffs would hurt businesses, consumers, and even patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” she said in a statement.

Despite the setback, von der Leyen emphasized that the EU remains open to dialogue. “We are ready to keep working toward an agreement by August 1. But we will also take all necessary steps to protect EU interests, including proportional countermeasures if needed,” she warned.

Global Trade Tensions Rise Again
This latest move raises fears of a new wave of trade tensions between the U.S. and its allies, echoing the tariff battles of Trump’s previous administration. Both sides now face a crucial window to either return to the negotiating table—or risk a deepening trade conflict.