Donald Trump serves up new tariffs
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
EU waits as Trump keeps world guessing on tariff plans
The European Union is bracing for a possible letter from US President Donald Trump outlining planned duties on his country's largest trade and investment partner. The EU initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement, including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the realisation it will probably have to settle for an interim agreement and hope something better can still be negotiated. The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on US terms. After keeping much of the world guessing his intentions, Trump has outlined new tariffs for a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50 per cent tariff on copper and a hike to 35 per cent on Canadian goods. Trump's cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the US government. US customs duties revenue shot past $US100 billion ($A152 billion) in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to US Treasury data on Friday - equal to or greater than the largest annual take ever from customs duties. "We remain locked and loaded to sign an agreement with the US. Let's see what happens when our friends in Washington wake up a few hours from now," EU spokesman Olof Gill told a briefing. A source with knowledge of the US-EU negotiations said an agreement was close but that it was hard to predict if the EU might still get a letter announcing more tariffs or when any agreement might be finalised. An EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the EU was strong when it acted together. "It is important that the pain or gain is distributed equally. We cannot have just one country or sector that takes the win." Trump's 35 per cent tariff on Canada is an increase from the current 25 per cent rate he had assigned and is a blow to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with the US. According to Trump, the new rate will take effect on August 1 and could go up further if Canada retaliates. "Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1," Carney said on X. The EU has drawn up countermeasures against Trump's tariffs but has not imposed them. An initial 21 billion euros ($A37.2 billion) of levies on US imports due in April was suspended before taking effect. Another package, on 72 billion euros of US imports, could also be applied. "Basically, if a political decision is made to extend the suspension, then we'll extend the suspension," Gill said. "If we need to unsuspend it, we can do that, you know, at the drop of a hat," he added. Elsewhere US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, as the two powers vied to push their agendas in Asia. Both sides described the meeting as constructive. China this week warned the United States against reinstating hefty levies on its goods next month and China has also threatened to retaliate against countries that strike deals with the US to cut China out of supply chains. The European Union is bracing for a possible letter from US President Donald Trump outlining planned duties on his country's largest trade and investment partner. The EU initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement, including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the realisation it will probably have to settle for an interim agreement and hope something better can still be negotiated. The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on US terms. After keeping much of the world guessing his intentions, Trump has outlined new tariffs for a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50 per cent tariff on copper and a hike to 35 per cent on Canadian goods. Trump's cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the US government. US customs duties revenue shot past $US100 billion ($A152 billion) in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to US Treasury data on Friday - equal to or greater than the largest annual take ever from customs duties. "We remain locked and loaded to sign an agreement with the US. Let's see what happens when our friends in Washington wake up a few hours from now," EU spokesman Olof Gill told a briefing. A source with knowledge of the US-EU negotiations said an agreement was close but that it was hard to predict if the EU might still get a letter announcing more tariffs or when any agreement might be finalised. An EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the EU was strong when it acted together. "It is important that the pain or gain is distributed equally. We cannot have just one country or sector that takes the win." Trump's 35 per cent tariff on Canada is an increase from the current 25 per cent rate he had assigned and is a blow to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with the US. According to Trump, the new rate will take effect on August 1 and could go up further if Canada retaliates. "Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1," Carney said on X. The EU has drawn up countermeasures against Trump's tariffs but has not imposed them. An initial 21 billion euros ($A37.2 billion) of levies on US imports due in April was suspended before taking effect. Another package, on 72 billion euros of US imports, could also be applied. "Basically, if a political decision is made to extend the suspension, then we'll extend the suspension," Gill said. "If we need to unsuspend it, we can do that, you know, at the drop of a hat," he added. Elsewhere US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, as the two powers vied to push their agendas in Asia. Both sides described the meeting as constructive. China this week warned the United States against reinstating hefty levies on its goods next month and China has also threatened to retaliate against countries that strike deals with the US to cut China out of supply chains. The European Union is bracing for a possible letter from US President Donald Trump outlining planned duties on his country's largest trade and investment partner. The EU initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement, including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the realisation it will probably have to settle for an interim agreement and hope something better can still be negotiated. The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on US terms. After keeping much of the world guessing his intentions, Trump has outlined new tariffs for a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50 per cent tariff on copper and a hike to 35 per cent on Canadian goods. Trump's cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the US government. US customs duties revenue shot past $US100 billion ($A152 billion) in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to US Treasury data on Friday - equal to or greater than the largest annual take ever from customs duties. "We remain locked and loaded to sign an agreement with the US. Let's see what happens when our friends in Washington wake up a few hours from now," EU spokesman Olof Gill told a briefing. A source with knowledge of the US-EU negotiations said an agreement was close but that it was hard to predict if the EU might still get a letter announcing more tariffs or when any agreement might be finalised. An EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the EU was strong when it acted together. "It is important that the pain or gain is distributed equally. We cannot have just one country or sector that takes the win." Trump's 35 per cent tariff on Canada is an increase from the current 25 per cent rate he had assigned and is a blow to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with the US. According to Trump, the new rate will take effect on August 1 and could go up further if Canada retaliates. "Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1," Carney said on X. The EU has drawn up countermeasures against Trump's tariffs but has not imposed them. An initial 21 billion euros ($A37.2 billion) of levies on US imports due in April was suspended before taking effect. Another package, on 72 billion euros of US imports, could also be applied. "Basically, if a political decision is made to extend the suspension, then we'll extend the suspension," Gill said. "If we need to unsuspend it, we can do that, you know, at the drop of a hat," he added. Elsewhere US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, as the two powers vied to push their agendas in Asia. Both sides described the meeting as constructive. China this week warned the United States against reinstating hefty levies on its goods next month and China has also threatened to retaliate against countries that strike deals with the US to cut China out of supply chains. The European Union is bracing for a possible letter from US President Donald Trump outlining planned duties on his country's largest trade and investment partner. The EU initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement, including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the realisation it will probably have to settle for an interim agreement and hope something better can still be negotiated. The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on US terms. After keeping much of the world guessing his intentions, Trump has outlined new tariffs for a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50 per cent tariff on copper and a hike to 35 per cent on Canadian goods. Trump's cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the US government. US customs duties revenue shot past $US100 billion ($A152 billion) in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to US Treasury data on Friday - equal to or greater than the largest annual take ever from customs duties. "We remain locked and loaded to sign an agreement with the US. Let's see what happens when our friends in Washington wake up a few hours from now," EU spokesman Olof Gill told a briefing. A source with knowledge of the US-EU negotiations said an agreement was close but that it was hard to predict if the EU might still get a letter announcing more tariffs or when any agreement might be finalised. An EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the EU was strong when it acted together. "It is important that the pain or gain is distributed equally. We cannot have just one country or sector that takes the win." Trump's 35 per cent tariff on Canada is an increase from the current 25 per cent rate he had assigned and is a blow to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was seeking to agree a trade pact with the US. According to Trump, the new rate will take effect on August 1 and could go up further if Canada retaliates. "Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1," Carney said on X. The EU has drawn up countermeasures against Trump's tariffs but has not imposed them. An initial 21 billion euros ($A37.2 billion) of levies on US imports due in April was suspended before taking effect. Another package, on 72 billion euros of US imports, could also be applied. "Basically, if a political decision is made to extend the suspension, then we'll extend the suspension," Gill said. "If we need to unsuspend it, we can do that, you know, at the drop of a hat," he added. Elsewhere US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, as the two powers vied to push their agendas in Asia. Both sides described the meeting as constructive. China this week warned the United States against reinstating hefty levies on its goods next month and China has also threatened to retaliate against countries that strike deals with the US to cut China out of supply chains.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
US State Department lays off more than 1350 employees
The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul. The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul. The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul. The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
US State Department lays off more than 1350 employees
The State Department has begun firing more than 1350 US-based employees as the Trump administration presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corp. Critics say the move will undermine US ability to defend and promote US interests abroad. The layoffs, which affect 1107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, came on Friday at a time when Washington is grappling with multiple crises on the world stage: Russia's war in Ukraine, the almost two-year-long Gaza conflict, and the Middle East on edge due to high tension between Israel and Iran. "The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," an internal State Department notice that was sent to the workforce said. "Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found." The total reduction in the workforce will be nearly 3000, including the voluntary departures, according to the notice and a senior State Department official, out of the 18,000 employees based in the US. The move is the first step of a restructuring that President Donald Trump has sought to ensure US foreign policy is aligned with his "America First" agenda. Former diplomats and critics say the firing of foreign service officers risks America's ability to counter the growing assertiveness from adversaries such as China and Russia. "President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure," Democratic senator Tim Kaine from Virginia said in a statement. "This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis." Dozens of State Department employees crowded the lobby of the agency's headquarters in Washington holding an impromptu "clap-out" for their colleagues who have been fired. Dozens of people were crying, as they carried their belongings in boxes and hugged and bid farewell to friends and fellow workers. Many members of a State Department office overseeing the US resettlement of Afghans who worked for the US government during the 20-year war have also been terminated as part of the overhaul.
