US Announces 30% Tariffs on EU Goods as Trade Negotiations Stall

The United States will impose a 30% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union beginning August 1, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday. The move follows a breakdown in trade negotiations between the two sides, with the US citing what Trump described as an unbalanced trade relationship.

In a message to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump stated that the new tariff is "far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with the EU," and indicated that the rate could be dropped if EU countries choose to manufacture within the United States. Trump has also announced new tariffs on imports from other trading partners, including Canada and Mexico.

The EU currently faces various US tariffs, including 50% on steel and aluminium, 25% on cars and car parts, and 10% on most other products. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc is prepared to "take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," while expressing willingness to continue negotiations before the tariffs take effect.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the Commission's "very strong disapproval" of the US decision and called for intensified talks, but noted that the EU must also prepare "credible countermeasures" if no agreement is reached. Germany's Economy Minister Katherina Reiche warned that the tariffs would negatively affect both European exporters and US consumers, urging a swift and pragmatic resolution.