President of the United States Donald Trump Continues to Apply Pressure Over the Weekend: Announcing Major Tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he is preparing to impose a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. The announcement came after weeks of failed trade agreement negotiations. Trump revealed the new tariffs in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as on the Truth Social platform. The European Union and Mexico are among the largest trading partners of the United States. Trump's move marks a new phase in the trade war that could have global consequences. Trump, who sent similar letters to 23 other countries this week, including Canada, Japan, and Brazil, has set a general tariff rate of 20% to 50%. A special 50% tax on imported coins is reportedly being planned. Trump's tariffs will take effect if no new trade agreement is signed with targeted countries. The president's letter to the European Union states that the EU's removal of its own tariffs is a prerequisite for any potential agreement with the United States. "The European Union will provide full and open market access to the United States in order to reduce this country's large trade deficit," he said. European Commission President von der Leyen stated that Trump's tariffs "will cause serious disruptions to the transatlantic supply chain," while also noting that the EU would take retaliatory measures if necessary to protect its interests. Germany supports a swift agreement, while some members, such as France, argue that "we should not concede to the conditions set by the United States." The letter to Mexico emphasizes that the activities of drug cartels have not yet ceased despite the country's contributions to border security. Trump said: "Mexico is helping me with border security, but it's still not enough." More than 80% of Mexico's exports go to the US, and by 2023, the country surpassed China to become the largest trading partner of the US.