European Commission announces response to Trump's tariffs

(Patria) - The European Commission will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the EU, including adopting proportionate countermeasures if necessary, after US President Donald Trump announced he is imposing 30 percent tariffs on goods from the EU, announced Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the EU, including adopting proportionate countermeasures if necessary.

Trump announced today that tariffs of 30 percent will be applied from August 1 to most goods from the EU imported into the US. The same percentage applies to Mexico.

For years we have been discussing our trade relationship with the European Union and we have concluded that we must move away from these long-standing, large, and persistent trade deficits - Trump wrote in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday, which he published today on the social network Truth Social.

The Commission President points out that "few economies in the world can match the level of openness and adherence to fair trade practices of the European Union".

The EU has consistently prioritized an agreed solution with the US, reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership - says the Commission President.

She adds that 30 percent tariffs on imports of goods from the EU would significantly disrupt transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides of the Atlantic. She also says that the Commission continues to deepen global partnerships with other countries on the principles of international trade based on rules.