July 12, (THEWILL) — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 30% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and the European Union, with the new measure set to take effect on August 1, 2025.
The decision follows weeks of stalled negotiations with both parties, aimed at reaching a broader trade agreement. Saturday’s move marks yet another escalation in Trump’s aggressive trade policy, drawing concerns from global markets and key U.S. allies.
In a letter addressed to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump acknowledged the country’s efforts to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking into the United States but insisted that more needed to be done.
“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done is not enough,” the former president wrote. “North America must not become a Narco-Trafficking Playground.”
Similarly, in a separate letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump cited the U.S. trade deficit with the EU as a national security threat.
“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, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers,” Trump stated.
He stated: “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal.”
The announcement comes days after Trump unveiled additional tariffs targeting several other U.S. trading partners, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, along with a separate 50% tariff on copper imports.
The European Union had been hoping to finalize a comprehensive trade pact with the United States for the 27-member bloc but now faces rising trade tensions as Trump ramps up protectionist measures ahead of the 2025 presidential election.
Trade analysts warn that the new tariffs could trigger retaliatory actions, disrupt supply chains, and strain diplomatic relations with long-standing allies.
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