Photo: Depositphotos
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to impose a 50% duty on imports of goods from the European Union starting from 1 June 2025. He wrote about this on his Truth Social platform, accusing the EU of unfair trade policy towards the US.
According to Trump, the European Union creates numerous trade barriers, including a value-added tax, penalties for US companies, non-tariff restrictions, currency manipulation, and “frivolous lawsuits”. This, in his opinion, leads to an annual US trade deficit with the EU of more than $250 billion, which he called “absolutely unacceptable”.
“Negotiations with the EU are not progressing. I am recommending a direct tariff of 50% on goods from the European Union, starting on 1 June 2025. This duty will not apply to products manufactured or assembled in the United States,” Trump said.
Earlier, on 12 May, Trump compared the EU to China, saying that the European Union was “worse” in bilateral trade. At the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed scepticism about the possibility of a quick trade deal with the EU, pointing to the “collective action problem” as the main obstacle in the negotiations.
Today, 23 May, EU Chief Trade Representative Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to have a phone call with his US counterpart Jamieson Greer to discuss progress in the tariff talks.
The introduction of a 50% duty could have a significant impact on trade relations between the US and the EU, which are among the world’s largest economic partners. Experts warn that such steps could lead to higher prices for imported goods in the US and provoke retaliatory measures from the EU.
Source: European Truth
