Washington: US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a 30 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and the European Union starting August 1, intensifying trade tensions with two of the country's top economic partners, In separate letters posted on Truth Social, Trump informed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the tariff decision, citing border security and trade imbalances as key reasons, according to The Hill.
In his letter to Sheinbaum Pardo, Trump referenced the ongoing fentanyl crisis as a major concern behind the decision. "Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough," the president wrote.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.12.25 08:29 AM EST pic.twitter.com/3waVn1dsVv
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 12, 2025
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 12, 2025
As The Hill noted, the US had previously imposed a 25 percent tariff on Mexican goods, though Trump later exempted items covered under the 2020 US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It remains unclear whether those exemptions will still apply after the new tariffs take effect on August 1.
In his letter to von der Leyen, Trump shifted focus to longstanding trade grievances with the EU. "We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers," Trump wrote, as reported by The Hill.
Over 2,100 Senior NASA Employees To Exit Amid Donald Trump Administration’s Massive Budget CutsThe president has repeatedly criticised the EU, once claiming the bloc was created to 'screw' the United States. The Hill stated that Trump's message to von der Leyen reflects his continued frustration over what he sees as unfair trade practices by European nations.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.12.25 08:31 AM EST pic.twitter.com/Q7YHQaKuqM
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 12, 2025
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 12, 2025
Citing data from the US Census Bureau, The Hill reported that Mexico remains America's top trading partner in 2025. EU countries such as Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands also rank among the top 15.
India Not On Latest US Tariff List As Donald Trump Sends Letters To 20 Nations Amid Ongoing Trade Deal TalksThis week, Trump has posted multiple letters to Truth Social, warning more than a dozen countries that he plans to impose steep tariffs on their imports starting August 1. The Hill highlighted that these tariffs were originally proposed in April but were paused for 90 days to allow for negotiation.
However, in that window, the US has only reached a finalised trade agreement with the United Kingdom and announced frameworks of deals with China and Vietnam, The Hill reported.
(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
You may also like
Air India crew 'absolutely' cause of horror crash that killed 260, claims expert
King Charles and Prince Harry's top aides meet in 'secret peace summit'
Liam Gallagher's cryptic reference to controversial social media post at Oasis gig
CM Mohan Yadav Lays Foundation Stones Of Various Developmental Works In Ujjain
King Charles joins health drink trend selling new range of booze-free spirits