Trump announces 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico, starting Aug. 1

Former President Donald Trump announced new tariff rates in letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He warned that if either the EU or Mexico responds with higher tariffs, the U.S. will match that increase by adding it on top of a baseline 30% tariff. Notably, the European Union, as a whole, exports more goods to the U.S. than any individual country.

Former President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 30% tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect on August 1. In letters posted on Truth Social, Trump warned EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum that any retaliatory tariffs would result in equal additional charges on top of the 30%. While Trump acknowledged Mexico’s efforts at border cooperation, he called them “not enough.” He noted that EU goods would be exempt if companies shifted production to the U.S.

The EU and Mexico expressed st

Strong opposition, calling the tariffs disruptive and unfair. Von der Leyen warned of proportionate countermeasures but remained open to talks before the deadline. Mexico also criticized the decision and highlighted ongoing discussions with U.S. officials to avoid the tariffs.

Trump has issued similar tariff letters to 23 other trading partners, including Canada, Japan, and Brazil, with new rates ranging from 20% to 50%. These moves are part of Trump’s broader push for “reciprocal” trade and follow his earlier “liberation day” tariff initiative. Although the U.S. only reached preliminary deals with the UK and Vietnam, Trump extended the tariff pause until August 1. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised the UK’s quick deal, calling it a model for others. Trump signaled plans to raise the global tariff baseline to 15–20%, affecting nearly all remaining trade partners.