The European Union and Mexico have voiced strong opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs on their imports beginning August 1, warning that the move risks sparking a damaging trade war.
Mexico’s government called the proposed measure an “unfair deal,” insisting that its national sovereignty was non-negotiable. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signaled that the EU would respond with “proportionate countermeasures” if necessary, although both sides stressed a willingness to continue negotiations with Washington.
Trump, however, has warned that any retaliatory tariffs from either partner would be met with even higher import duties. In letters sent Friday to von der Leyen and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, the U.S. leader criticized long-standing trade imbalances and accused both regions of maintaining unfair barriers against American goods.
“We must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent trade deficits, engendered by your tariff and non-tariff policies,” Trump wrote to the EU, claiming the trading relationship was “far from reciprocal.”
Trump’s latest tariff threats also extend to Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, with new import duties scheduled to take effect next month. A separate letter sent to Canada proposed a 35% tariff, though the White House clarified that goods traded under the USMCA deal would be exempt — a detail not included in the correspondence to Mexico.
In a pre-recorded interview aired Saturday on Fox News, Trump acknowledged that several countries were “very upset,” but defended the tariffs as a means of bringing “hundreds of billions of dollars” into the U.S. economy.
The EU has frequently found itself in Trump’s crosshairs. Back in April, he proposed a 20% tariff on EU goods, with threats to raise it to 50% as negotiations stalled. While Washington and Brussels had aimed to strike a trade agreement by July 9, no breakthrough has been announced.
Last year, the U.S. trade deficit with the EU reached $235.6 billion, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
In response to the latest threats, von der Leyen reiterated the bloc’s commitment to reaching a deal before the August 1 deadline, stating, “We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including proportionate countermeasures, if required.”
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Trump’s plan, saying he was in “very strong disapproval” and urging the EU to prepare “credible countermeasures.” German industry groups, including the Association of the Automotive Industry, expressed concern over the potential economic fallout, warning of rising costs for carmakers and suppliers.
European Parliament trade committee chair Bernd Lange called Trump’s action “a slap in the face” to negotiations and urged the EU to act swiftly, suggesting countermeasures could begin as early as Monday.
Some EU leaders took a more conciliatory tone. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she hoped for a “fair agreement,” warning that a trade war would benefit no one. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called for unity, stressing the need for a “mutually beneficial” solution.
Mexico also pushed back firmly. In her remarks on Saturday, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed optimism that a deal could still be reached, but drew a firm line on national sovereignty. “We are clear on what we can work with the USA, and what we cannot. And there is something that is never negotiated — and that is the sovereignty of our country,” she said.
Earlier, Mexico’s economy and foreign ministries issued a joint statement rejecting Trump’s proposal, while questioning whether USMCA-covered goods would be affected.
Trump’s letter to Sheinbaum criticized Mexico’s role in drug trafficking and border control efforts, stating: “What Mexico has done is not enough.”
Saturday’s developments add to a growing list of countries targeted by Trump’s proposed trade measures. As of this weekend, the Trump administration has floated tariff conditions on 24 countries and the EU.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro previously set a goal of negotiating “90 deals in 90 days.” So far, only two early agreements have been announced — with the United Kingdom and Vietnam — as broader negotiations continue.
