US President Donald Trump on Saturday unveiled new tariff letters for Mexico and the European Union, imposing a 30% tariff on goods imported from these regions starting August 1, 2025.
Tariff Letters Shared on Truth Social
Trump shared these tariff letters via his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the significance of the U.S.-Mexico trading relationship. He stated,
“It is a Great Honor for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship, and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with Mexico.”
Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis
Despite the strong relationship, Trump outlined the tariffs as necessary measures to tackle the nation’s “Fentanyl crisis.” He noted,
“This crisis is caused, in part, by Mexico’s failure to stop the Cartels, who are made up of the most despicable people who ever walked the Earth, from pouring these drugs into our country.”
He added that while Mexico has assisted in border security,
“What Mexico has done is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground. Obviously, I cannot let that happen!”
Details of the Tariffs
Starting August 1, 2025, the U.S. will charge Mexico a 30% tariff on products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs.
In a similar letter to the European Commission President, Trump stated,
“Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge The European Union a Tariff of only 30% on EU products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs. Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff.”
Trade Deficit and Manufacturing Incentives
Trump pointed out that the 30% tariff rate is “far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity” the U.S. has with the EU. He further mentioned,
“As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if The European Union, or companies within the EU, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely – in other words, in a matter of weeks.”
