Trump does it again.
President Trump Launches New 30% Tariff on Mexican and EU Imports
President Donald Trump is taking decisive action to protect American jobs, national security, and the U.S. economy — announcing bold new tariffs on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting August 1.
In a strongly worded statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump revealed that a 30% tariff will be applied to goods from Mexico and the EU, citing Mexico’s failure to shut down violent drug cartels and stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants across the southern border.
“Despite our strong relationship, Mexico continues to allow dangerous cartels to flood our country with deadly drugs,” Trump wrote in a public letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Tariffs Target Drug Cartels and Border Failure
Trump emphasized that the United States has been patient — but enough is enough. Citing the ongoing fentanyl crisis and rising trade deficits, Trump said the 30% tariff is necessary to push Mexico into serious action.
“Mexico has not done enough to stop the cartels. I will not allow North America to become a Narco-Trafficking Playground,” Trump said. “Starting August 1, 2025, we will impose a 30% tariff on all Mexican products.”
The tariffs come as part of Trump’s broader “Liberation Day” trade initiative, which aims to restore fair trade, rein in America’s massive trade deficits, and end decades of global exploitation.
Mexico Pushes Back—But Trump Stands Firm
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials were informed of the new tariffs during a July 11 meeting in Washington, D.C. The Mexican government has already begun talks to reach a new agreement, calling the tariff structure “unfair.”
But President Trump made it clear: manufacturers who move their production to the U.S. will be welcomed — and fast-tracked.
“We will do everything to approve U.S.-based projects quickly, professionally, and routinely — in just weeks,” Trump said.
He also issued a stern warning: If Mexico raises tariffs on American goods, the U.S. will match and exceed the increase.
America’s Trade Deficit with Mexico Reaches Breaking Point
Mexico is America’s largest trading partner. In 2024 alone, the U.S. exchanged nearly $840 billion in goods with its southern neighbor — but ran a $171.8 billion trade deficit, up 12.7% from 2023.
Trump has long argued that these imbalances pose a major threat to the U.S. economy and national security, especially when linked to illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
Canada and the European Union Also Face New Tariffs
Mexico isn’t the only country feeling the pressure. Trump has informed Canada, the second-largest U.S. trading partner, that a 35% tariff will be applied starting August 1 unless better terms are reached.
In a separate message to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump also announced a 30% tariff on EU goods. While EU leaders have warned of “countermeasures,” Trump is unmoved.
“The United States has suffered one-sided trade for far too long. These deficits are unsustainable and unacceptable,” Trump said.
Trump’s Trade Policy: Putting America First Again
President Trump’s administration has now issued tariff notices to over 25 countries, following a 90-day window to secure updated trade agreements under his “America First” trade doctrine.
Preliminary deals have already been reached with the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam, and a new economic “roadmap” is in the works with India.
“We’re not targeting anyone,” Trump told NBC News. “We’re just setting tariffs to protect American workers and rebuild American strength.”