President Donald Trump said he is recommending 50% tariffs on the European Union beginning next month, after saying trade talks “are going nowhere.”
Trump levied a higher “reciprocal” tariff rate of 20% on the EU as part of his sweeping tariff plan unveiled at the beginning of April. However, he paused the higher rates for 90 days and maintained the blanket 10% tariff rate, which applied to the EU. While he has reached a trade deal with the United Kingdom and a temporary agreement with China, Trump appeared unsatisfied with how talks with the EU have been going in a Friday post on Truth Social.
“The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with. Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against [American] Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable,” Trump said.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
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Trump has raised tariff rates to retaliate against countries unwilling to negotiate with him, including China. He warned countries not to retaliate with their own tariffs, and all countries except China listened to the order.
Trump raised tariff rates on China to 145%, but eventually lowered the rate after a temporary trade agreement between the two countries was reached.