President Donald Trump has decided to impose customs duties of 30 % on imports from the European Union and Mexico. These measures will come into force from August 1.
Economic and security justifications
Trump announced his decision via Truth Social. He criticizes the European Union a persistent commercial imbalance and calls for a total opening of the European market for American products. It also requires the abolition of customs barriers and protectionist measures.
Regarding Mexico, he recognizes some efforts to secure the border. But he accuses the authorities of not fighting enough against drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking, responsible for many dead in the United States.
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Brussels critical, but remains open to dialogue
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reacted strongly. According to her, these new taxes would endanger the transatlantic supply chains. She recalled that it would harm companies, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.
The European Union always wishes to reach a trade agreement with Washington. But Brussels does not exclude taking retaliation measures if the United States maintains its position.
Negotiations trample
So far, discussions between Washington and Brussels were based on a 10 % customs duties, with several exceptions. No meeting is currently planned to relaunch the dialogue.
Trump suggested that he could review his position. He proposed to reduce these taxes if the EU fully opens its market and removes its commercial obstacles.
A wider price policy
Mexico also undergoes an increase in customs duties. Trump does not specify if these new taxes will receive the products covered by the Canada/United States/Mexico agreement (ACEUM), although these exchanges are in the majority.
In addition, the United States has informed about twenty countries, especially Asian, of the upcoming application of tariffs between 20 % and 40 %. Brazil will be struck by a rate of 50 %, and Canada 35 %, also from August 1.
An assumed offensive strategy
These decisions are part of a broader strategy. Trump intends to rebalance trade and strengthen pressure on his partners. But they could relaunch a new wave of tensions on the international scene.
