Sunday,July14,2025. Washington/Kathmandu – Former U.S. President and current Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has announced a 30% import tariff on goods from the European Union (EU) and Mexico. The new tariff will take effect on August 1, 2025. Trump made the declaration through posts on his social media and two separate open letters addressed to the President of Mexico and the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In the letter to Mexico, Trump acknowledged partial efforts in curbing illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking but criticized the country’s overall failure. “Mexico has failed to stop North America from becoming a playground for drug trafficking,” he stated. “Therefore, a 30% tariff is now necessary.”
To the EU, Trump wrote, “The EU’s trade balance with the U.S. is entirely one-sided and damaging to America. We’ve had years to negotiate, but the EU’s tariff and non-tariff policies have only widened the gap. It’s time for the U.S. to walk away from these unfair practices.”
Trump further warned that if any country retaliates, he would impose even higher tariffs. The EU, comprising 27 member states, is America’s largest trading partner. Earlier this week, the EU had expressed hope for a mutual understanding before the August 1 deadline.
Additionally, Trump revealed plans to impose new tariffs on imports from Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, with similar letters reportedly sent to those countries this week.
[Source: BBC]
