The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Saturday the imposition of general tariffs of 30% on all imports from the European Union and Mexico, a measure that will take effect on August 1, 2025.
The notification has been made official through letters sent to international leaders and posts on his network Truth Social.
Trump argues that the current trade policy severely harms the U.S. economy, and that the time has come to correct a situation that he claims has led to "decades of unfair trade deficits."
"We have had years to discuss our trade relationship with the European Union and have come to the conclusion that we must move away from these substantial and persistent long-term trade deficits generated by their tariff and non-tariff policies, as well as by their trade barriers."
Regarding Mexico, the president acknowledged some collaboration on border security, but deemed it insufficient.
“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT what Mexico has done is not enough”, he said.
Conditions and Repercussions: Trump Pushes to Relocate Production to the U.S.
President Trump has made it clear that he would reconsider tariffs if European companies choose to set up factories in U.S. territory
"We will do everything possible to obtain the approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely; that is, within a matter of weeks."
Additionally, it has warned that if the EU responds with an increase in its own tariffs, the United States will raise theirs above 30%:
"The amount you choose to increase them by will be added to the 30% we charge," he said.
So far, the Trump administration has notified tariff conditions to 24 countries, in addition to the 27 members of the European Union, with rates ranging from 20% to 40%, depending on the country.
In the case of Mexico, it is proposed that these new tariffs replace the current 25% imposed on products that do not comply with T-MEC standards.
EU response: Willingness to engage in dialogue, but preparations for reprisals
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed Brussels' commitment to a negotiated solution:
"We will take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of the EU, including the adoption of proportional countermeasures if necessary."
Von der Leyen ha advertido que el nuevo gravamen del 30% podría interrumpir las cadenas de suministro transatlánticas esenciales, perjudicando tanto a empresas como a consumidores en ambas orillas del Atlántico.
“We remain willing to work towards reaching an agreement before August 1”, he indicated.
A first package of countermeasures worth 21 billion euros has been frozen since April to allow for negotiations, but it could be activated immediately if an extension is not reached before Monday.
Additionally, the Commission is preparing a second package that would affect up to 100 billion euros in U.S. imports.
Commercial Impact: At stake is a flow of two trillion dollars
Trade in goods and services between the United States and the European Union reached 2 trillion dollars in 2024, according to Eurostat.
The European exports most affected by tariffs could be automobiles (crucial for Germany), aircraft, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical instruments, and alcoholic beverages.
Trump justifies his measures based on the EU's goods surplus, which he estimates at 198 billion euros.
However, the surplus of services in the U.S. (such as in technology, legal consulting, and travel) reduces the overall deficit to around 50 billion, which is less than 3% of the total volume of transatlantic trade.
A drastic shift in transatlantic trade relations
Before Trump's return to the White House, the United States and the EU maintained a cooperative trade relationship with low average tariff levels: 1.47% for European products in the U.S. and 1.35% for American products in Europe.
Since his re-election, the president has reinstated tariffs of 50% on European steel and aluminum, 25% on vehicles and parts, and 20% (which can be increased to 50%) on other imports, in what he considers a policy of "reciprocal" tariffs.
The trade ministers of the 27 EU member states will meet this Monday in Brussels to assess the situation, coordinate potential reprisals, and define strategies to diversify relationships with more reliable trading partners.
Von der Leyen insists that Brussels is open to dialogue, but makes it clear that, if necessary, the EU is prepared to respond.
"We continue to deepen our global alliances, firmly rooted in the principles of rules-based international trade."
Filed under:
