Introduction
In July 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of new tariffs of up to 30 percent on imports from the EU and Mexico, set to take effect from August 1. This measure is part of a strategy to strengthen protectionism during Trump’s second term and address ‘unfair trade relations.’
Affected Goods and Issues
The tariffs affect nearly all imported goods from the EU. The European export economy, particularly Germany, could be severely impacted as it exports goods worth over 125 billion euros to the USA each year. Machinery, chemicals, and cars are particularly at risk, as uniform tariff rates of 15 to 30 percent could drastically reduce competitiveness.
Negotiations and Political Aspects
Although the EU is struggling for a negotiating solution with the USA, the deadline for implementing the tariffs has been extended from the originally set July 9 to August 1. Experts suspect that Trump’s announcement also serves as a negotiation tactic to pressure Brussels.
Consequences of a New Trade Conflict
Due to the impending escalation, there is a risk of a new trade conflict with negative effects on transatlantic trade and European export growth. Markets are unsettled, as similar measures during Trump’s first term already caused significant market disruptions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount of Tariffs | Up to 30 percent on EU imports from August 1, 2025 |
| Affected Countries | European Union (particularly Germany), Mexico |
| Affected Industries | Mechanical engineering, chemical industry, automotive sector |
| Economic Consequences | Risk of significant market distortions; weakening of European exporters’ competitiveness |
| Political Dimension | Part of a protectionist strategy; potential negotiation tactic |
European business representatives are watching the developments with concern due to potential serious consequences for jobs and growth in the export sector.