Trump Increases Pressure with New Tariffs
US President Donald Trump has announced that starting August 1, 2025, a tariff of 30 percent on imports from the European Union (EU) will be imposed. This measure affects goods from the EU as well as Mexico and is expected to have direct impacts on prices and markets in Europe, which will be felt by both consumers and businesses.
The announcement was made through a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which Trump published on his platform “Truth Social.” The EU had previously hoped for a comprehensive trade agreement with the US and was in negotiations with Washington, but the increase in tariffs is now putting additional pressure on the European Union.
Reactions and Further Measures
At the same time, the EU has postponed its planned retaliatory tariffs on US products—these were initially set to take effect on Monday before the US tariffs would come into force but have been delayed until early August. This is being done in hopes that a solution can still be reached despite Trump’s new tariff threats.
In addition to the 30 percent tariffs on EU goods, Trump is also planning to impose a 50 percent tariff on copper imports into the US. The new tariffs are part of a broader strategy by Trump to raise import tariffs against multiple trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil.
Consequences of Tariff Policy
- Export costs for European companies could increase.
- Consumer prices for products from the EU are likely to rise.
- The trade conflict between the US and EU will continue to escalate.
- However, the EU’s postponement of retaliatory tariffs shows ongoing efforts for negotiations.
This development marks an escalation in the transatlantic trade dispute with significant economic consequences for both sides.