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In recent news, Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his announcement of imposing tariffs of 30 per cent on Mexico and the EU starting from August 1. This move is expected to further strain US relations with two of its closest trading partners. The president took to Truth Social to post letters detailing these new tariff threats, citing reasons such as the US’s trade deficit with each country and the need to address issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
While the letter to the EU follows a familiar pattern of Trump’s aggressive trade tactics, the one to Mexico specifically accuses the country of not doing enough to combat the Cartels. Despite acknowledging Mexico’s efforts to help secure the border, Trump deemed them insufficient, leading to the decision to impose tariffs.
This latest development comes on the heels of a tumultuous week where Trump has threatened over 20 countries with tariffs and announced plans for levies on copper. The EU, in particular, has been engaged in negotiations with the US to find common ground on trade issues, including reducing tariffs on vehicles and other goods. However, Trump’s recent threats have put a strain on these discussions, with the EU warning of potential disruptions to transatlantic supply chains.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed concern over the proposed tariffs, emphasizing the importance of finding a negotiated solution before the August 1 deadline. European ambassadors are set to meet to discuss the situation, while leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni have called for restraint and goodwill in reaching a fair agreement.
In response to the tariff threats, Mexico is already in talks with the US to find alternatives and avoid escalating tensions. Despite previous exemptions from Trump’s tariffs, Mexico could still be impacted by the new measures, particularly in industries like steel and aluminium.
As negotiations continue between the US, EU, and Mexico, the global business community is closely watching the developments to see how they will impact trade relations and economic stability. Stay informed with the latest updates by signing up for the White House Watch newsletter today.