By dpa
TEXAS (DPA, CONVERSEER) – US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will impose 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union beginning August 1, heightening tensions in a trade fight that Brussels had hoped to defuse.
Trump posted a picture of the letter he sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on his platform Truth Social, in which he cited the “long-term, large and persistent” trade deficit the United States runs with the EU.
He accused the 27-nation bloc of unfair trade policies and barriers, demanding a more “balanced” relationship.
In the letter, Trump warned that additional tariff hikes could follow if the EU responds with retaliatory measures.
He also suggested that the rate could be totally lifted if “the European Union, or countries within the EU, decide to build or manufacture within the United States.”
The move threatens to derail months of trade talks between Washington and Brussels aimed at finding a negotiated solution to Trump’s threats.
Earlier this week, von der Leyen struck a cautiously optimistic tone about the prospects for resolving the dispute, but warned that the EU was also prepared for further escalation.
“We will defend the European interest as needed,” she said on Thursday, adding that the EU aimed to reach an agreement in principle similar to the trade deal between the United Kingdom and the US concluded in May.
Trump’s tariff blitz spelt out in letters
Trump has fired off a barrage of letters this week to foreign leaders informing them of steep new tariffs he intends to impose on their goods as of August 1. New duties have been announced on imports from countries including Canada, Brazil, South Korea and Moldova.
He also announced 30% tariffs on Mexico on Saturday.
Trump has been rolling out new tariff rules since Monday, when he also extended a 90-day pause on his so-called reciprocal tariffs first announced on April 2.
The delay prompted the EU to suspend its planned countertariffs to allow for further talks.
The threats have sent heads spinning in foreign capitals. Investors, however, seem to be taking the news in their stride as US stocks continue to push higher.
Trump said on Tuesday he will stick to his August 1 deadline, writing on Truth Social: “No extensions will be granted.”
