Trump Recommends a 50% Tariff on EU Imports Starting June 1
This comes as discussions stall and the 90-day negotiation window nears its July 8 deadline. U.S. importers must now prepare for possible cost increases and supply chain adjustments across a wide range of EU-originating products.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to impose a straight 50% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union (EU), effective June 1, 2025.
Citing a lack of progress in trade negotiations, Trump attributed the ongoing U.S. trade deficit with the EU—which exceeds $250,000,000 a year—to what he described as extensive trade barriers, VAT taxes, corporate penalties, non-monetary restrictions, monetary policies, and legal actions targeting American companies.
No executive order has been issued yet.
Since mid-March, the Trump administration has imposed a series of tariffs on EU goods, including a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, a 25% tariff on EU-made cars, and a blanket 10% tariff on all other EU imports.
The 10% tariff is set to remain in place until July 8, which marks the end of a 90-day negotiation window.
If implemented, the newly proposed 50% tariff could apply to automobiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage products, and consumer electronics.
The EU has not issued a formal response.
However, it had previously proposed the mutual elimination of industrial tariffs and suspended countermeasures during ongoing negotiations. The EU’s proposed zero-tariff trade deal was rejected by the U.S.
In addition to the EU tariffs, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on Apple products unless the company relocates iPhone production to the United States. This move is part of a broader strategy to encourage domestic manufacturing.
If you import goods from the EU, please reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss the potential impact of these tariffs on your business.
This is a developing story. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.