EU, Mexico decry Trump’s 30% tariff threat, warn of retaliation: BBC

New Delhi, Jul 13: The European Union and Mexico have expressed strong disappointment over US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs on their exports starting August 1, calling the move unfair and disruptive to global trade, BBC News reported.

In response to Trump’s announcement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned, “We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.” She emphasized that the EU remained committed to dialogue and hoped to reach an agreement with Washington.

Mexico, meanwhile, rejected what it called an “unfair deal.” President Claudia Sheinbaum asserted that while Mexico remained open to talks, “sovereignty is never negotiable.”

President Trump defended the tariffs in a letter to von der Leyen, stating, “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal.” He warned that any retaliation would be met with even higher duties.

Speaking to Fox News in a pre-recorded interview aired Saturday night, Trump said, “Some countries are very upset now,” but insisted the tariffs were effective, claiming “hundreds of billions of dollars” were flowing into the US as a result.

According to BBC, Trump has also announced new tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, escalating tensions with key trading partners. Despite opposition from EU leaders, trade talks remain stalled with no breakthrough ahead of the August deadline.