U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed a 30 percent tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting August 1, after weeks of negotiations with major trading allies failed to reach a broader trade deal.

The new tariffs were announced in separate letters published on Truth Social on Saturday. Earlier this week, Trump issued new tariff announcements for several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, as well as a 50 percent tariff on copper.

What does the letter Trump sent to Sheinbaum say?

In the document published on his social media, the U.S. president begins the letter by sending greetings to his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum; he goes on to say that the strength between the two nations and the commitment to trade relations, the imposition of tariffs was to address the fentanyl crisis.

"Despite our strong relationship, you'll recall, the United States imposed tariffs on Mexico to address our nation's fentanyl crisis, caused, in part, by Mexico's failure to stop the cartels—which are made up of the most despicable people to ever walk the Earth—from bringing these drugs into our country."

Donald Trump points out that Mexico has been helping secure the border,"BUT what Mexico has done is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the cartels that are trying to turn all of North America into a drug playground."

"Obviously, I can't allow that to happen! Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Mexico a 30 percent tariff on Mexican products shipped to the United States, in addition to all sector-specific tariffs."

The letter goes on to say that goods transshipped to evade higher tariffs will be subject to that higher tariff."As you know, there will be no tariff if Mexico, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States and, in fact, we will make every effort to obtain approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely—in other words, within weeks."

He also warns that if for any reason the Mexican government decides to increase tariffs on other products, the 30 percent increase that"we charged" will be returned.

"Furthermore, I should mention that the flow of fentanyl is not the only challenge we have with Mexico, which has numerous tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, causing unsustainable trade deficits with the United States. The trade deficit is a major threat to our economy and, indeed, to our national security!"

New 50% tariffs

Earlier this week, Trump announced new tariffs on several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, as well as a 50 percent tariff on copper.

The 27-country bloc hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with the United States.

The European Union had been bracing for Trump's letter outlining his planned tariffs on America's largest trading and investment partner, following an escalation of their tariff war in recent days.

The EU initially hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with mutual zero tariffs on industrial goods, but months of difficult talks have led to the conclusion that it will probably have to settle for an interim deal and hope that something better can still be negotiated.

The 27-nation bloc is under conflicting pressure, with powerhouse Germany demanding a swift deal to safeguard its industry, while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators must not concede to a unilateral agreement on US terms.

Trump's cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun to generate tens of billions.

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