Trump Unleashes New Tariff Threat: 20-50% Duties Loom for 23 Nations, EU, Mexico

Trump Unleashes New Tariff Threat: 20-50% Duties Loom for 23 Nations, EU, Mexico

This move marks a return to Trump’s hardline approach seen earlier this year, when similar tariff announcements jolted global markets before being postponed.

RMN News Trade Desk
July 13, 2025

Washington D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a formidable new trade threat, proposing import tariffs ranging from 20% to 50% on goods from 23 trading partners, including the European Union (EU) and Mexico. These aggressive measures are part of a renewed hardline trade stance, demanding individual trade deals by an August 1 deadline to avoid the hikes.

The proposed tariffs include a 30% general tariff that would be in addition to existing levies, such as 50% on steel and aluminum and 25% on autos, which are set to remain in place. A 50% duty on copper imports is also part of the plan. This announcement, shared via letters on Trump’s Truth Social account, signals a sharp escalation in global trade tensions and has already alarmed U.S. allies and shaken investor confidence.

Trump has cited trade deficits and fentanyl concerns as primary justifications for these tariffs. In his letter to the European Commission, he demanded that the EU remove all tariffs on U.S. goods to help reduce America’s trade deficit.

EU and Mexico Condemn, but Remain Open to Talks: Both the EU and Mexico, key U.S. trade partners, have condemned the proposed tariffs as unfair and disruptive, despite expressing willingness to continue negotiations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the 30% tariffs “would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic”.

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The EU had initially sought a full-scale trade deal with the U.S. but has since scaled back ambitions to a more flexible framework agreement. Internal tensions persist within the EU, with Germany pushing for a swift agreement to safeguard industrial interests, while other members like France advise caution against unfavorable U.S. terms. Bernd Lange, who leads the European Parliament’s trade committee, called the move “a slap in the face for the negotiations” and advised Brussels to implement immediate counter-measures.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose nation became America’s top trading partner in 2023 largely due to free trade, maintained confidence that an agreement could still be finalized. She emphasized the importance of keeping a “cool head” while affirming that her country’s sovereignty is “never negotiable”. The proposed tariff rate for Mexico is notably less than Canada’s 35%.

Fentanyl Concerns vs. Data: A significant justification cited by Trump is fentanyl trafficking, with both Mexico and Canada mentioned in correspondence. However, official statistics indicate a substantial discrepancy: overwhelmingly, fentanyl is smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico via the southern border, with just 0.2% of all fentanyl seized in the country coming through the Canadian border. Furthermore, China remains the primary supplier of precursor chemicals for fentanyl production. Trump noted Mexico’s efforts in securing the border, but stated it’s “not enough” to stop cartels.

This move marks a return to Trump’s hardline approach seen earlier this year, when similar tariff announcements jolted global markets before being postponed. Despite global pushback, Trump appears undeterred, reportedly buoyed by a strong U.S. economy and record stock market highs.

The recent tariff directives have already generated substantial revenue, with U.S. customs duties exceeding $100 billion in the fiscal year through to June. These measures have demonstrably affected diplomatic relations with close U.S. allies.