European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in response to President Trump’s latest tariff announcement, say they are open to trade talks but won’t rule out taking countermeasures.
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Trump in his Saturday letters to von der Leyen and Sheinbaum announced a 30 percent tariff rate on goods imported into the U.S. beginning Aug. 1, after an initial 90-day pause and deadline delay lapses on the import taxes.
“Imposing 30 percent tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” the European Union (EU) leader wrote in a statement.
“Few economies in the world match the European Union’s level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices,” von der Leyen continued. “The EU has consistently prioritized a negotiated solution with the U.S., reflecting our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership.”
Still, the European leader said the commission is open to working toward an agreement before the latest deadline arrives.
“We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1,” von der Leyen wrote. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
She added, “Meanwhile, we continue to deepen our global partnerships, firmly anchored in the principles of rules-based international trade.”
Sheinbaum on Saturday said Mexican leaders met with the Trump administration on Thursday to discuss “issues of security, migration, border and water management.”
“We mentioned at the meeting that this was an unfair deal and that we disagreed,” she wrote in a statement, according to translation. She added later, “In other words, Mexico is already in negotiations.”
In April, Trump hit the EU with a 20 percent tariff. Following his “Liberation Day” announcement, von der Leyen said the commission was open to trade discussions. Later in the month, she lashed out at Trump, accusing him of leaning on an “unpredictable tariff policy.”
The president has in the past claimed the EU has been unfair to the U.S. and argued that the bloc of nations was created to “screw” America. Several of the union’s member states — including Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands — are considered top trading partners.
