U.S. tariffs continue to provoke global trade tensions, with developments this weekend as the President of the European Commission announced the European Union (EU) will suspend retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs, initially set for today, while continuing negotiations with the United States until August 1.
“The United States sent us a letter outlining measures that will take effect unless a negotiated solution is reached. Therefore, we are also extending the suspension of our measures until August,” stated Ursula Von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels.
The German conservative politician argued that although the retaliatory measures remain suspended, the EU “continues to prepare” countermeasures to “be fully prepared” should negotiations with the White House fail.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the imposition of 30% tariffs on all European Union (EU) products, regardless of all sectoral tariffs.
“As of August 1, 2025, we will impose a tariff of just 30% on EU products shipped to the United States, regardless of all sectoral tariffs,” reads the letter published on Truth Social and addressed to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
In this letter, Trump also stated that the U.S. trade deficit represented a threat to national security.
“We have had years to discuss our trade relationship with the EU and concluded that we need to move away from these long-term, large, and persistent trade deficits generated by tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers,” wrote the U.S. President.
As he did previously with other countries, Trump announced he would reverse his decision “if the EU or its companies decide to manufacture products in the United States.”
“In fact, we will make every effort to obtain approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely—in just a few weeks,” the letter adds, before warning that if, for any reason, the EU decides to increase tariffs and retaliate, “the amount they decide to raise will be added to the already announced 30%.”
In a separate letter to the Mexican leader, Trump acknowledged the country’s efforts to curb unauthorized migrants and fentanyl flow to the United States. However, he stated that Mexico has not done enough to prevent North America from becoming a “narcotics playground.”
The ambassadors of the 27 EU Member States convened in an extraordinary meeting to thoroughly assess Trump’s public letter regarding customs tariffs on European countries.
This Monday, EU Trade Ministers will also meet in an extraordinary session to discuss the same issue.
