Trump declares trade war on EU: 30 percent tariffs on imports to the US introduced

(Patria) - United States President Donald Trump threatened 30% tariffs on products from Mexico and the European Union in two letters he published on social media on Saturday, further escalating the global trade war he has triggered since taking office in January.

"The United States has agreed to continue working with the European Union, despite having one of the largest trade deficits with you. Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward, but only with more balanced and fair TRADE," Trump wrote in a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, which he published on Truth Social, writes N1.

The EU and Mexico are joining a growing list of countries whose imports will face updated tariffs on August 1, since Trump began publishing tariff letters with rates up to 40% on Monday. In his letters to the EU and Mexico, Trump said all imports are subject to a 30% tariff, excluding "sectoral tariffs," such as the 25% auto tariff.

The European Union has called emergency talks after Trump announced a large-scale trade war by imposing 30% tariffs on the bloc.

As Politico writes, Commission staff were abruptly ordered to postpone weekend plans and report for duty, three officials said, as national capitals immediately switched to crisis mode to try to assess the next step.

The EU advocated for an agreement that would ensure a one-way basic tariff of 10 percent on goods entering the US from Europe. It also sought relief for certain sectors, including automobiles, aircraft, and spirits.