US Tariffs on Imports from the European Union Rise Significantly
US President Donald Trump recently announced that starting from August 1, 2025, a drastic tariff of 30 percent will be imposed on imports from the European Union (EU). Imports from Mexico are also affected. This measure aims to reduce the trade deficit of the USA with the EU, which Trump sees as a threat to national security.
Strategy Behind the Tariff Increase
A key aspect of this policy is to strengthen domestic production in the USA and generate additional state revenues. Prior to the increase, the basic tariff for almost all imports was about ten percent, which will now rise to a new level for EU goods.
Negotiations and Political Motivations
The announcement came after a long phase of tough negotiations and multiple deadlines extensions. Tariffs of 20 percent were initially announced as early as April 2025, but were suspended to continue negotiations. Ultimately, August 1 was set as the final deadline. Communication was carried out through Trump’s own social media platform “Truth Social” as well as through letters to the EU Commission.
Impact on Investors in German-speaking Countries
For investors in German-speaking countries, these trade restrictions create significant uncertainties. Increased tariffs could drive up prices for food, consumer goods, and industrial products, disrupting trade flows. This could have negative effects on companies that heavily depend on transatlantic trade. Furthermore, a general negative trend for the global economy and an increase in recession risks are foreseeable.
Overall, this measure marks a tightening of the trade conflict between the USA and the EU, which could have far-reaching consequences for European markets and investments.