Trump announces 30% tariffs on EU as trade war intensifies

President Donald J. Trump speaks at a roundtable discussion at the Community Emergency Operations Center in Kerrville, Texas, Friday, July 11, 2025. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

Goods imported from both the European Union (EU) and Mexico will face a 30% US tariff rate starting August 1, US president Donald Trump said in letters posted to his social media platform on Saturday.

The EU had hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with the US for the 27-country bloc.

In the letter, which was posted on his Truth Social social media platform, Mr Trump warned that any response or retaliation with with EU counter-tariffs on US products would be met with higher rates in return.

“If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs and retaliate, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 30% that we charge,

“Please understand that the 30% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with the EU,” he wrote.

The European Union had been bracing for the letter from Trump outlining his planned duties on the United States' largest trade and investment partner after a broadening of his tariff war in recent days.

The EU initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement, including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the realization it will probably have to settle for an interim agreement and hope something better can still be negotiated.

The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry, while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on US terms.