The president has issued a stern warning to the European Union regarding potential new tariffs in a harsh statement, claiming that diplomatic discussions have reached an impasse.
Donald Trump has announced plans to impose substantial 50 percent tariffs on European Union goods beginning next month, asserting that negotiations with Brussels have stalled completely.
This development follows Trump’s longstanding accusations that the EU has been “ripping off” the United States. On April 2, designated as “Liberation Day,” he initially announced intentions to impose 20 percent levies on the trading bloc.
However, he postponed those plans for 90 days to provide countries listed on his “reciprocal tariffs” framework an opportunity to engage in negotiations.
During this period, Trump has reportedly reached agreements with the United Kingdom and made progress with China amid the ongoing trade conflict, but has apparently failed to secure a deal with the European Commission.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “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 Americans 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.”
He elaborated: “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!”
This action represents the latest escalation in Trump’s contentious trade relationship with European partners. In March, he characterized the EU as one of the “most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world” while threatening to increase tariffs on products like alcohol from the region to 200 percent.
At that time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that Europe remained “open to negotiations” to establish a mutually acceptable compromise.
“We will approach these negotiations from a position of strength. Europe holds a lot of cards, from trade to technology to the size of our market,” she explained. “But this strength is also built on our readiness to take firm countermeasures if necessary. All instruments are on the table.”
The European Commission has not yet issued a response to this latest announcement, though officials have indicated there will be no public comment until US-EU representatives meet later today (Friday, May 23), according to Sky News reporting.
This development coincides with Trump’s declaration that Apple will face 25 percent tariffs on its iPhones unless the company relocates its manufacturing operations to the United States.