President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is recommending a 50% tariff on goods imported from the European Union starting June 1, 2025, citing a breakdown in ongoing trade negotiations and long-standing trade imbalances.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said the EU has been “very difficult to deal with” and accused the bloc of employing unfair trade practices that have contributed to a massive trade deficit with the United States.
“The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump wrote.
“Their powerful Trade Barriers, VAT Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against [American] Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable.”
Trump’s latest tariff proposal follows a previously announced reciprocal tariff plan unveiled in early April.
That plan included a 20% rate on EU imports, although the president delayed implementation for 90 days while maintaining a 10% base rate across the board.
With trade talks making little progress, Trump indicated that the pause would not be extended.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” Trump wrote.
“Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”
The White House did not issue a separate statement Friday, but administration officials confirmed the tariff increase is part of a broader strategy to pressure the EU into a more balanced trade agreement.
The agreement with China followed a period of escalating tariffs that peaked at 145% before being reduced as part of a temporary arrangement.
Trump has used high tariff rates as a key negotiating tool during his administration, arguing that countries unwilling to negotiate fair terms with the United States should face economic consequences.
He has repeatedly warned foreign governments not to retaliate with counter-tariffs, stating that such moves would result in more severe penalties.
“Tariffs are the tool we have to level the playing field,” Trump said in a previous statement.
“We want free trade, but it has to be fair trade.”
