‘EU remains ready to protect interests': After Trump ratchets up trade pressure with 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico, a strong global response

Indian Express

2 days ago

US President Donald Trump has announced that goods from the European Union and Mexico will face a 30 per cent tariff starting August 1. The decision, posted in letters on his social media platform, has drawn concern and criticism from political and industry leaders across Europe and the United States.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU 'remains firm, united and ready to protect its interests.' He added: 'Tariffs are taxes. They fuel inflation, create uncertainty and hinder economic growth. We will continue to build strong trade partnerships worldwide.'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the new tariffs would hurt businesses, consumers and supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic. 'The EU has consistently prioritised a negotiated solution with the US,' she said. 'We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.'
German auto industry association VDA said the decision adds to an already existing tariff of 27.5 per cent on car imports to the US, increasing costs for both companies and suppliers. 'The costs for our companies are already in the billions and the sum is growing every day,' said VDA President Hildegard Müller. She called for urgent dialogue between the EU and US to prevent further damage to industries on both sides.
Wolfgang Niedermark, a senior official at the German industry group BDI, said the move 'is an alarm signal' for international trade. 'Tariffs as a means of political pressure lead to higher costs, risk jobs and weaken global competitiveness,' he said. BDI urged both governments to resume talks quickly and avoid further escalation.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also criticised the move, calling the US decision 'concerning and not the way forward.' He said the EU must remain united in seeking a solution that benefits both sides.
The US announcement of 30% tariffs on goods imported from the European Union is concerning and not the way forward. The European Commission can count on our full support. As the EU we must remain united and resolute in pursuing an outcome with the United States that is mutually…
— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) July 12, 2025
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said it was important to avoid a trade conflict within the West, especially during the current global situation. 'We trust in the goodwill of all players to reach a fair agreement,' the statement said.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said there was 'no need to escalate the situation' and that the EU would stay united as talks continue.
US Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, said the new tariffs would only increase costs for American families. 'How does increasing prices across the board like this help people in our country? Answer: it doesn't,' she said, calling it a '$2,000-plus annual Trump tariff tax on every family.'
The President is announcing yet another round of tariffs on the EU and Mexico.
How does increasing prices across the board like this help people in our country? Answer: it doesn't. It's a $2000 + annual Trump tariff tax on every family.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) July 12, 2025
Economists also raised alarms. Dan O'Brien of the Institute of International and European Affairs wrote on social media that a 30 per cent tariff on EU goods would 'have a significant trade destruction effect.' He said the threat of further retaliation could increase the risk of a larger economic conflict between the US and EU.
Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, said the EU should take a firm approach in negotiations. 'Trump is overlooking the fact that the economic impact in the form of higher inflation, higher interest rates, and slower growth will probably only be felt after a certain delay,' he told Reuters.