Trump to impose 30% tariffs on Mexico, EU

President Donald Trump has said he will enact tariffs of 30 percent on imports from the EU and Mexico starting on August 1. This comes after the president sent multiple letters to other nations' leaders, warning them of incoming tariffs. In two letters posted to Truth Social, Trump wrote to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as well as EU President Ursula von der Leyen, where he addressed the policy.

To Sheinbaum, Trump wrote, "Despite our strong relationship, you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Mexico to deal with our Nation's Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Mexico's failure to stop the Cartels, who are made up of the most despicable people who ever walked the Earth, from pouring these drugs into our country. Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground."

"Obviously, I cannot let that happen! Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Mexico a Tariff of 30% on Mexican products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs. Goods transshipped to evade higher Tariffs will be subject to that higher Tariff. As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Mexico, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks," he added.

To von der Leyen, he wrote, "The United States of America has agreed to continue working with The European Union, despite having one of our largest Trade Deficits with you. Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward, but only with more balanced and fair TRADE. Therefore, we invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States. the Number One Market in the World, by far. We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers."

"Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal. Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge The European Union a Tariff of only 30% on EU products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs. Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff. Please understand that the 30% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with the EU. As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if The European Union, or companies within the EU, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks," Trump added.

To both international leaders, Trump warned, "If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs and retaliate, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 30% that we charge."

Trump has often used tariffs as a way to leverage better deals with countries internationally with the subject of trade, at times threatening their use, and then once implemented, pulling them back after concessions are made. The pattern from Trump came starting after his tariff "liberation day" earlier in April, where he announced a number of tariffs on many nations across the globe. He then paused the tariffs on the majority of the countries in order to work out trade deals.