The European Union and Mexico have strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose 30% tariffs on their imports starting August 1.
They labeled the move as unfair and a risk to global trade stability.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the bloc’s commitment to dialogue, stating
We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the tariffs an “unfair deal” and declared, “There is something that is never negotiated, ever, and that is the sovereignty of our country.”
Both expressed hope for continued negotiations to prevent a trade conflict.
Trump justified the tariffs by citing the U.S.’s $235.6 billion trade deficit with the EU in 2024, blaming unfair trade practices.
In letters to EU and Mexican leaders, he wrote to von der Leyen, “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” pointing to EU tariff and non-tariff barriers.
To Mexico, he claimed the country had not done enough to stop North America becoming a “Narco-Trafficking Playground.”
Trump warned that retaliatory tariffs from either would lead to higher U.S. tariffs, potentially exceeding 50%.
The White House has not clarified if U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement-compliant goods would be exempt, unlike assurances for Canada.
The tariffs, part of Trump’s plan targeting 24 countries and the EU, could disrupt the $2 trillion EU-U.S. trade market, affecting industries like cars and wine.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “very strong disapproval,” while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni warned against triggering a “trade war.”
Sheinbaum remained optimistic, stating
We believe, based on what our colleagues discussed yesterday, that we will reach an agreement with the USA and that we will, of course, achieve better conditions.
With the August 1 deadline approaching and talks stalled, the risk of a global trade conflict looms, threatening economic stability.