Trump suggests 30% tariffs on EU imports-trade war threatens!

Trump suggests 30% tariffs on EU imports-trade war threatens!

Vienna, Österreich - On July 12, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs from 30 percent to imports from the EU and Mexico. According to vienna.at, the new tariffs apply from August 1, 2025. Trump expressed himself via its Truth platform and criticized the existing trade deficit with the EU. He calls for a shift of productions to the United States and threatens to increase tariffs, should European retaliation measures follow.

The announcement is a continuation of the tense trade relationships between the USA and the EU. Trump originally planned to raise tariffs of up to 50 percent on EU imports. Negotiations with the EU are underway, but EU representatives of Trump see threats as a negotiation tactic. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of possible disorders of the transatlantic supply chains and confirmed the will of the EU to find a diplomatic solution.

position of the EU and possible countermeasures

The EU is already planning countermeasures that could include special tariffs on US products. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on to avoid polarizations and supported the EU Commission in the crisis. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also criticized the US tariffs and called for a closed European answer to the US trade requirements.

In addition to the tariffs on European imports, Trump has announced that it is also to introduce tariffs to countries such as Japan, South Korea, Canada and Brazil, which is a sign of a broader trade conflict strategy.

economic effects of tariffs

The economic effects of these tariffs on EU exports could be serious. A flat rate of 25 percent would bring a reduction in EU exports to the United States by half, according to an analysis by the German Institute for Economic Research (Diw). Key industries such as the pharmaceutical industry, transport equipment and motor vehicles would be particularly affected. On average, the EU's real gross domestic product (GDP) would decrease by 0.25 percent, with Germany a decline of around 0.33 percent.

In order to compensate for potential losses through the tariffs, the EU could focus on expanding its trade relationships with free trade partners such as Canada, Mexico, Japan and Vietnam. Strengthening these relationships could help neutralize the economic damage of a customs conflict and to promote long-term GDP growth in all EU countries.

The debates in the European Parliament on the customs threats of the Trump government show the concern of the EU about the long-term consequences of this trade policy. Leaders from the EU are demanding a continuation of transatlantic cooperation to strengthen relationships and find solutions that take into account both EU and US interests. According to the Polish Minister of European Affairs, Adam Szłapka, an open and fair international trade approach is necessary to master the challenges of the future.