US President Donald Trump has announced 30% tariffs on Mexico and the European Union (EU), citing national security threats and unfair trade practices.
The announcement, made in letters dated Saturday, July 11, and posted on his Truth Social account, stated that the tariffs will take effect on August 1.
While addressing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump acknowledged Mexico’s efforts in reducing the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States.
However, he insisted the country “has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a Narco-Trafficking Playground.”
Trump Slaps 30% Tariffs on the European Union and Mexico
In a separate letter to the European Union, Trump said the U.S. trade deficit with the bloc poses a national security risk.
“We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and we have concluded we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies, and Trade Barriers,” Trump wrote in the letter to the EU.
“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.”
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Trump warned that any goods rerouted to avoid the higher tariff would still face the full 30% rate.
“Please understand that the 30% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with the EU,” he said.
At the same time, Trump extended an olive branch, saying there would be no tariff if the European Union or its companies chose to build or manufacture products within the United States.
“In fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely—in other words, in a matter of weeks,” he added.
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Trump Says 30% Tariffs Can Be Adjusted if EU Opens Markets
Trump said the European Union must allow full and open market access to the United States without imposing tariffs, as part of efforts to reduce the large trade deficit.
He warned that if the EU retaliates by raising tariffs, the U.S. will match the increase and add it to the already proposed 30% rate.
“Please understand that these Tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of European Union Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, which cause the large and unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States,” he said.
“This Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!”
President Trump expressed willingness to work with the European Union as a long-term trading partner, noting that the proposed tariffs could be adjusted based on the bloc’s response.
“If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump said.
“These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America.”
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