Von der Leyen slams Trump’s 30% tariffs, urges dialogue before August deadline

Ursula von der Leyen, the chief of the European Commission, slammed additional tariffs promised by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying the EU was still looking for a solution with Washington to avoid the penalties.

“Imposing 30 percent tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” said von der Leyen in a statement.

“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,” she stated.

Von der Leyen emphasised that “few economies in the world match the European Union’s level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices.”

“The EU has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the U.S., reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership,” she said.

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Trump announced on Saturday that key US trading partners the European Union and Mexico will face a 30% tax beginning next month, increasing pressure for a solution in his trade fights.

Both sets of levies would go into effect on August 1, Trump said in separate letters uploaded on his Truth Social platform, citing Mexico’s role in the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States and a trade imbalance with the EU.

An EU spokesperson stated that Brussels was told of the additional tariffs before Trump released the letters online.

The EU tax is also far higher than Trump’s 20% charge announced in April, as discussions with the group continue.

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The EU, alongside dozens of other economies, had been set to see its US tariff level increase from a baseline of 10 percent on Wednesday, but Trump pushed back the deadline to August 1 just days before the elevated rates were due to take effect.

The EU has prepared retaliatory duties on US goods worth around 21 billion euros after Trump also slapped separate tariffs on steel and aluminum imports earlier this year, and they are suspended until July 14.

European officials have not made any move to extend the suspension but could do it quickly if needed.

Diplomats said that an unscheduled meeting of ambassadors from the EU’s 27 countries has been convened in Brussels for Sunday afternoon to discuss the latest move from Trump.