WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump on Saturday announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from Mexico and the European Union, intensifying his hardline trade agenda as he campaigns for a return to the White House, reported by The Frontier Post.
In a pair of statements posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that both Mexico and the EU will face 30% tariffs beginning August 1. The move escalates his ongoing economic confrontation with key U.S. trade partners and comes amid stalled negotiations aimed at addressing longstanding disputes over drugs, border security, and trade imbalances.
Mexico, Trump said, is being penalized for its role in the flow of illicit narcotics into the U.S., while the EU faces the tariff hike over what he described as an “unfair” trade deficit.
These new levies exceed earlier duties imposed this year — including the 25% rate on Mexican goods in March and the 20% proposed EU tariff in April. However, products currently protected under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will remain exempt.
Canada, too, received a letter this week announcing 35% tariffs — the steepest yet — as Trump signals a broader shift toward aggressive protectionism. Over the past week, letters outlining revised duties have reportedly been sent to more than 20 countries.
The EU’s tariff hike was originally scheduled to take effect this past Wednesday, but Trump delayed implementation until August 1, giving negotiators a final window to avert the economic blow.
As global markets brace for impact, economists warn the sweeping tariffs could ignite fresh trade tensions and disrupt global supply chains — while signaling the former president’s intent to reshape American trade policy if reelected.
