World

Trump intensifies trade tensions with the EU and Mexico

Jul 15, 2025 United States

Tensions are rising over trade after US President Donald Trump sent letters to the European Union (EU) and Mexico threatening to impose a 30% tariff on their goods from the 1st of August

On Saturday, the EU and Mexico were the latest targets of a series of letters threatening rising tariffs from the 1^stof August, following weeks of unsuccessful negotiations with major US trading partners over a comprehensive trade deal. On Truth Social, Donald Trump announced that the European bloc and Mexico could face a 30% tariff on goods entering the US.

Similar letters were sent to 23 other trading partners, including Japan and Brazil, and blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50% were set. “The letters are the deals. The deals are made. There are no deals to make”, Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday, but said the Administration was still open to dialogue.

Both the EU and Mexico had previously described the tariffs as unfair and disruptive, while also guaranteeing to continue negotiating a broader trade deal with the US before the deadline.

In particular, the EU is also preparing to increase its engagement with other countries affected by Trump’s trade agenda and has warned that it could take countermeasures.

On Monday, the EU’s chief trade negotiator Maroš Šefcovic revealed that the European Commission had shared a proposal with member states for a new round of countermeasures targeting 72 billion euros’ worth of US imports. Previously, the planned countermeasures targeted 21 billion euros’ worth of US exports.

“The current uncertainty caused by unjustified tariffs cannot persist indefinitely”. “Therefore, we must prepare for all outcomes, including – if necessary – well-considered, proportionate countermeasures to restore the balance in our transatlantic relationship”, he concluded.

Image Credits: en.apa.az

European Union Mexico United States Economy Tariffs Trump tariffs