Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that starting August 1, goods imported from the European Union and Mexico will be subjected to a 30% tariff in the United States, as announced through posts on his social media platform, Truth Social.
What has the EU done to avoid these tariffs?What products are most affected by trump’s new tariffs?
In his letter to Mexico’s leader, Trump admitted that the country has been helpful in reducing the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States. However, he stated that Mexico has not done enough to fully stop the issue of North America from turning into a “Narco-Trafficking Playground”.
“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 noted in the letter to the European Union.
“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.”
This tariff rate on the EU is 10% higher than what he had previously indicated earlier this year, and Mexico—previously exempted from earlier tariff rollouts—is now included in this broad increase. Trump warned that if the EU or Mexico retaliate with their own tariffs, the U.S. could respond with even steeper measures.
What has the EU done to avoid these tariffs?
The EU aimed to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal with the U.S. for its 27 member countries. Meanwhile, the European Union prepared for a letter from Trump detailing his proposed tariffs on its biggest trade and investment partner, especially as his tariff disputes had expanded recently.
The EU initially aimed for a comprehensive trade deal with zero tariffs on industrial goods, but after months of challenging negotiations, it has become clear that an interim agreement is more likely, with hopes of negotiating a better deal later.
What products are most affected by trump’s new tariffs?
The European Union is the United States’ biggest trading partner, with $605 billion in imports, exceeding Mexico, Canada, and China. The top import category was drugs and pharmaceuticals, followed by automobiles, aircraft, and other heavy machinery. Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on imported drugs, but this would not take effect for at least 18 months.
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