President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 30% tariffs on all imports from the European Union and Mexico, intensifying his administration’s push for fair trade and stronger border enforcement. The new tariffs are set to take effect August 1 and follow a wave of trade actions targeting America’s largest trading partners.
In letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump declared the U.S. would no longer tolerate one-sided trade relationships. “We have decided to move forward, but only with more balanced and fair trade,” Trump wrote, posting the message to Truth Social.
The tariffs apply broadly across EU and Mexican imports, excluding certain “sectoral tariffs” like the preexisting 25% duty on automobiles. Trump’s administration has framed the measures as part of a broader effort to secure economic interests and national security.
For Mexico, Trump tied the tariffs directly to the ongoing crisis at the southern border and the inflow of fentanyl. “Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough,” he stated. Mexico has previously enjoyed duty-free access under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump negotiated in his first term.
Mexico’s economy minister, Marcelo Ebrard, said a delegation met with U.S. officials on Friday to express opposition, labeling the proposed tariffs as “unfair treatment.” Despite this, both nations are reportedly negotiating to avoid economic fallout.
The EU, likewise, responded with alarm. Von der Leyen warned the new tariffs would harm supply chains and economies on both sides of the Atlantic. She pledged that the EU “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests,” including possible countermeasures.
Trump’s latest tariff threats are part of a broader tariff campaign launched since returning to office in January. Over the past week, he has threatened or imposed tariffs ranging from 30% to 40% on several countries, including a 35% levy on Canadian imports.
The administration has also criticized the EU over non-tariff barriers like digital service taxes, which tax online revenues including subscriptions, advertising, and data sales. Trump argued these policies unfairly target American companies.
Any retaliatory tariffs from the EU or Mexico will be met with a proportional increase from the U.S., Trump warned, stating, “Whatever the number you choose to raise (tariffs) by, will be added onto the 30% that we charge.”
Trump had previously floated a 50% tariff on EU goods in May due to slow progress in trade talks. Though he ultimately paused the increase, Saturday’s announcement signals a return to aggressive trade enforcement aimed at correcting decades of imbalanced policies.
