US President Donald Trump has imposed a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on 1 August after weeks of negotiations with the key trading allies failed to reach a more comprehensive trade deal.
The fresh tariffs were announced in separate letters posted on his Truth Social platform. The EU tariff is also markedly steeper than the 20% levy Mr Trump unveiled in April, as negotiations with the bloc continue.
Mr Trump cited a trade imbalance with the EU as reason for the tariff rate. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that imposing 30% tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains.
She said that few economies in the world match the EU's level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices, adding that the EU has consistently prioritised a negotiated solution with the US.
Ms von der Leyen said the commission will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.
Three EU officials have described the announcement as a negotiating tactic.
Earlier this week, Mr Trump issued new tariff announcements for a number of countries, including Japan, South Korea, Canada and Brazil, as well as a 50% tariff on copper.
The EU had hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with the US for the 27-country bloc.
The European Union had been bracing for the letter from Mr Trump outlining his planned duties on the United States' largest trade and investment partner after a broadening of his tariff war in recent days.
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The EU initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement, including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the realisation it will probably have to settle for an interim agreement and hope something better can still be negotiated.
The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry, while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on US terms.
Called from RTE website
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