Europe next in firing line for Trump tariffs after trade wars with US neighbours postponed 

Mr Trump said tariffs on the 27-country bloc will 'definitely happen,' citing the US' long-standing trade deficit with the EU

President Donald Trump listens after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

After declaring victory against the now postponed trade wars with Mexico and Canada, US President Donald Trump has set his sights on the 27-member European Union as his next target for punitive tariffs.

Phone calls between President Trump and respective leaders of the US' bordering countries brought a temporary hold to 25% tariffs being implemented on both Canada and Mexico, helped by a guarantee from both countries to meet US demands for heightened border security.