European Commission President Leyen reacts to Donald Trump’s 30% tariff decision

Business Business: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reacted to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs and said that imposing 30% tariffs will harm businesses.

After Trump’s announcement today, she wrote on X, “Imposing 30% tariffs on EU exports will harm businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to work to reach an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we are ready to defend the EU’s interests based on appropriate countermeasures.”

Trump announced the tariffs for both the EU and Mexico through two letters shared on social media. The move has increased pressure on US allies to renegotiate trade terms before the new rates come into effect from August 1.

This comes after Donald Trump sent letters to various countries last week. Trump’s decision for various countries comes after he changed the tariff levels proposed from April and invited trading partners for further talks.

The EU had been hoping to reach a temporary deal with the EU to prevent tariffs, but Trump’s letter dashed hopes of a last-minute agreement between the major economies.

“The EU will allow the United States full, open market access,” Trump said, or “whatever number you choose to raise them by, it will be added to the 30% tax we impose.”