Trump Slaps 30% Tariffs On EU & Mexico, Warns South Korea, Japan Before August 1 Deadline

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced new 30 percent import tariffs on goods coming from the European Union and Mexico, starting August 1. He said these measures are meant to pressure countries into renegotiating trade deals that are fair to the United States.

Trump made the announcement via a letter posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. He wrote, “The European Union will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States... or whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added on the 30 percent that we charge.”

The 27-nation EU bloc is now under pressure to strike a quick deal. Germany, one of the largest economies in Europe, is especially keen to protect its industries and avoid a trade war.

Mexico Warned Over Cartels, Despite Border Help

In a separate letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump thanked Mexico for helping control the border but said it wasn’t enough. He accused Mexico of failing to stop drug cartels.

“Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground. I cannot let that happen!” he wrote.

South Korea, Japan Also on Edge

Trump also warned other countries in trade talks, including South Korea and Japan, to reach a deal before August 1, or face steep tariffs. South Korea has been told it will face 25 percent tariffs from August 1 unless a deal is done.

“Just keep working hard. We've been taken advantage of by both friend and foe. And frankly, the friends have been worse,” Trump said at the White House.

(With PTI Inputs)