Trump hitting EU, Mexico with 30% tariffs

President Trump is implementing 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico starting Aug. 1.

In letters posted on Truth Social Saturday, Mr. Trump said, “it is a Great Honor” for him to send the notices, “in that it demonstrated the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship.”

The letters to Europe and Mexico are among many Mr. Trump has sent as he ramps up his aggressive approach to reforming America’s trade relations.

In the letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he wrote of “the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship, and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with The European Union, despite having one of our largest Trade Deficits with you.”

He added, “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. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.”

The letter also calls for Europe to drop its tariffs on American goods and said that any retaliatory tariff put on the U.S. will be added on top of the 30%.

In a statement, Ms. von der Leyen said the tariffs on EU exports “would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”

She added, “The EU has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the U.S., reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership. We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

In the letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mr. Trump cited the flow of fentanyl over the border.

“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,” he wrote.

The Mexican government said it found out about the tariff letter on Friday during high-level talks with U.S. officials.

Mexican officials said during the meeting that they disagreed with Mr. Trump’s decision and considered it “unfair treatment,” according to a statement. 

• This story includes wire service reports.