Trump Proposes 50% Tariffs on the EU Starting June 1, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a bold new trade measure targeting the European Union, citing stalled negotiations.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump declared that starting June 1, 2025, he recommends imposing a 50% tariff on all goods from the European Union.

“Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I recommend direct tariffs of 50% on the European Union starting June 1, 2025,” Trump wrote.

The President emphasized that European companies could avoid these tariffs by manufacturing their products within the United States, encouraging foreign investment in American industry.

Trade Deficit Sparks Action

Trump criticized the European Union, claiming that one of its core objectives was to gain a trade advantage over the United States. He also highlighted the growing U.S.-EU trade deficit, which he described as “unacceptable.”

“The trade deficit with the EU is unacceptable and currently stands at $250 billion,” Trump stated.

According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s office, the U.S. trade deficit with the EU grew by 12.9% in 2024, reaching $235.6 billion.

Implications for Global Trade

This proposed tariff increase could signal a significant escalation in transatlantic trade tensions. Analysts warn that such measures may provoke retaliation from Brussels and strain economic relations between long-standing allies.