US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs against US trading partners. He said that a 30 percent rate would be applied to imports coming from Mexico and European Union (EU), if these countries did not agree on more advantageous trade terms before August 1.
Two letters were posted on social media by Trump, as part of his broader effort to redefine US trade relations through aggressive tariff diplomacy.
In order to avoid these tariffs, the EU and US had held discussions in an attempt to finalize a framework deal.
Trump’s most recent communication seems to have dampened the expectations of a resolution in a short time, but he did leave open the possibility for further negotiation.
Trump’s letter stated that if you want to open up your previously closed Trading Market and remove your Tariff and Non-Tariff Policy, as well as Trade Barriers to the United States we may consider an amendment to this one.
Tariffs would be applied to a wide range of products, and not just specific items like automobiles or steel.
The new measures may have a significant impact on the EU’s competitiveness as an exporter in the US, especially compared to the UK which already has a free trade agreement with Trump.
EU negotiations stalled, trade tensions escalate
In recent months, the EU faced an increasingly ambiguous stance by Trump.
In April, during the “Liberation Day”, the President proposed an initial 20% tariff against the EU. This figure was reduced later to 10% after a period of 90 days.
Trump’s frustration at the speed and quality of the talks led him to escalate his position. He briefly threatened a tariff of 50% before finally settling for the 30%.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission (EC), spoke directly to Trump earlier in this week.
EU officials expressed optimism that a framework deal would be reached to avoid the introduction of new tariffs. However, the letter sent on Saturday has caused uncertainty regarding the possibility of such an agreement.
The tariffs, if implemented, would place EU exporters in a competitive disadvantage with UK competitors.
After leaving the EU, the UK has established an agreement with Trump’s administration that could protect it from new tariffs.
Tariffs on Mexico linked to border, fentanyl and border concerns
Trump also acknowledged Mexico’s border cooperation in a letter sent to the Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum. However, he said that it wasn’t enough to avoid a tariff of 30%.
Mexico’s ability to combat drug cartels, and reduce the flow of fentanyl to the US was the determining factor in any adjustments made to tariffs.
Trump said that the tariffs could be adjusted upward or downward depending on your relationship with our country. He left open further negotiations.
The letter didn’t specify whether or not the tariffs will apply to goods that are currently exempted under the USMCA agreement. However, Canada is expected to continue with its exemptions.
Mexico is the third country to receive formal notification regarding the tariff policy, after Canada and Brazil. This is despite the fact that the July 9 deadline had passed without any imminent increases.
Japan, South Korea and South Africa are also among the nations that have been targeted by potential increases in tariffs.
The post US announces 30% tariff on EU, Mexico and Mexico by Trump could be updated as new developments unfold
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