Trump threatens European Union with

Former President Donald Trump has escalated his trade conflict with the European Union by threatening to impose a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1, 2025. Trump claims negotiations with the EU have stalled and accuses the bloc of unfair trade practices, including trade barriers, corporate penalties, and VAT taxes, contributing to a massive U.S. trade deficit. Although he initially paused his tariff plans for 90 days to allow negotiations, he now says talks have gone “nowhere” and insists the tariffs won’t apply to products manufactured in the U.S.

Despite striking recent deals with the UK and China, Trump has failed to reach an agreement with the European Commission. EU President Ursula von der Leyen has previously expressed a willingness to negotiate and warned that the EU is ready to implement countermeasures if needed. This announcement follows Trump’s earlier threats to dramatically increase tariffs on European goods like alcohol. Additionally, Trump has warned Apple that its iPhones will face a 25% tariff unless the company shifts its manufacturing operations to the U.S. The European Commission has yet to formally respond but is expected to address the matter during discussions later today.