Trump proposes 50% tariff on EU from June 1, accuses bloc of 'taking advantage' of US

The US president has stated the EU will face tariffs upto 50 percent from June 1, 2025 onwards.

Updated on: May 23, 2025, 17:46:20 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs for the European Union. In his latest announcement on Truth Social, the US president has stated the EU will face tariffs upto 50 percent from June 1, 2025 onwards.

"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. Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans 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. Our discussions with them are going nowhere!" said Trump.

Trump further added that “there is no tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”

Trump's decision on new tariffs against the EU comes after the Trump administration increased pressure on the regional bloc to reduce its tariffs on American goods.

As per a report by the Financial Times, the US warned the European Union that if it did not remove its "unilateral" tariffs on American goods, Washington would be forced to impose reciprocal tariffs.

Tensions between the US and EU mounted after the Trump administration announced 25 percent tariffs on European cars, aluminum, and steel in March, followed by 20% tariffs on additional EU goods in April. This rate was later slashed to 20 percent and a deadline for July 8 was set by the US to make a tariff deal.

In order to de-escalate the tensions, the EU halted its plans for tit-for-tat tariffs and suggested removing industrial tariffs on both sides.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.