Trump Announces 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico
On July 12, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose a 30% tariff on imports from both the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1, 2025. He sent separate letters via his social media platform, Truth Social, to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, framing the move as a response to trade imbalance, national security threats, and migration concerns. Trump’s Justifications EU Trade Deficit: Trump cited the U.S.'s persistent trade deficit with the EU as a national security threat, accusing the bloc of using protectionist barriers and non-reciprocal trade practices. Mexico & Migration: Although acknowledging Mexico’s assistance on migration and fentanyl control, he argued it's “not enough” and used that as justification for the tariffs . International Reactions EU Pushback: Von der Leyen responded that imposing 30% tariffs “would […]