Trump imposes 30% tariffs on Mexico and EU as new trade tensions escalate ahead of August. On Saturday, the former president announced sweeping new tariffs targeting two major trading partners.
Starting August 1, 2025, goods imported from Mexico and the European Union will face a 30% tariff. Trump made the announcement through letters posted on his Truth Social account.
He claimed these tariffs are separate from existing sectoral duties. He framed the decision as necessary due to national security threats and economic imbalance.
In his letter to Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Trump accused Mexico of failing to stop drug cartels. He emphasized concerns over fentanyl smuggling and border security failures.
Trump said Mexico’s cooperation has not gone far enough. As a result, he raised tariffs from the previously proposed 25% to a firm 30%.
He also warned against transshipping—where goods are rerouted to avoid tariffs. Such goods, he said, would also be taxed at the higher rate.
Trump imposes 30% tariffs on Mexico and EU while calling out unfair trade practices by Europe. In a separate letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump accused the bloc of creating massive trade deficits. He described the deficits as unsustainable and damaging to U.S. national security. Trump criticized the EU’s use of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
According to him, the U.S. had years to negotiate better terms but failed to resolve key differences. As a result, these new tariffs will take effect next month. This announcement marks another major shift in U.S. trade policy under Trump’s leadership. Economists warn the move could trigger retaliatory tariffs.
Businesses that rely on imports from Mexico and the EU are bracing for higher costs. Some may face supply chain disruptions as well. Trump imposes 30% tariffs on Mexico and EU at a time of mounting global economic uncertainty. The long-term effects could reshape international trade relationships.
For now, all eyes are on how Mexico and Europe will respond in the coming weeks.
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