European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican officials have both hit back at US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose 30% tariffs on their exports starting August 1. While the European Union has reiterated its commitment to negotiations, Mexico has rejected the move outright, calling it “unfair” and unacceptable. Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social platform, on Saturday, citing a trade imbalance with the EU and Mexico’s alleged role in the flow of illicit drugs into the US.
EU ‘ready to continue working’
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen sharply criticised the proposed US tariffs, warning they would “disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.” She reaffirmed the EU’s preference for a negotiated settlement, saying, “We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1.” However, von der Leyen made it clear that the bloc would not back down if talks failed. “We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,” she said, adding that the EU’s trading practices remain among the most open and fair globally. “The EU has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the US, reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership,” she said.Brussels has already drawn up a retaliatory tariff package worth €21 billion, which remains suspended until July 14. An EU spokeswoman confirmed that the bloc had been notified of the new tariff plan ahead of Trump’s public announcement. In response to the rising tension, EU diplomats have convened an emergency meeting in Brussels on Sunday to assess next steps.
Mexico ‘did not agree’
Mexico, too, pushed back strongly against Trump’s new tariff warning. In a joint statement from its economy and foreign ministries, the Mexican government labelled the move an “unfair deal,” following discussions with US officials on Friday. “We mentioned at the table that it was an unfair deal and that we did not agree,” the statement read. Despite the rising tensions, both Mexico and the EU have indicated a willingness to keep the door open for further dialogue. However, with just weeks remaining until the August 1 deadline, the risk of a new global trade conflict is looming.
