Trump posted letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on his Truth Social network on Saturday. In the case of the EU, Trump pointed to the imbalance in mutual trade and in the case of Mexico, to the continued import of drugs into the US.

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As for the European Union, Trump stated in a letter to the head of the European Commission that the US has a large trade deficit with the EU, which he believes poses a threat to national security. He added that"the US must end this large and long-standing trade deficit, which is the result of European tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers". According to him, US relations with the EU are unfortunately far from reciprocity. He also stated that the European Union can avoid the tariffs, but only"if the EU or its member states decide to manufacture on US territory".

In a letter to the Mexican president, he acknowledged that Mexico had been instrumental in stopping the flow of illegal immigrants and fentanyl into the United States. However, he said the country had not done enough to prevent North America from becoming a"playground for drug traffickers."

Along with the latest letters, Trump has sent out letters since the beginning of this week about plans to impose high import tariffs on 24 countries and the 27-member EU starting on August 1. He plans to impose even higher tariffs on Canada. Goods from that country would be subject to a 35 percent import tariff starting August 1.

Leyen wants a deal

In response to Trump, the EC said it took note of the president's letter, was still interested in reaching an agreement with the US side by August 1, but was also prepared to use retaliatory measures. This was stated by EC President von der Leyen.

Leyen confirmed that she had taken note of a letter from Trump to the European Union outlining a revised tariff rate and a new timetable. Trump announced on Saturday that the same 30 percent US import tariffs on goods from Mexico would start on August 1.

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"The introduction of 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," Von der Leyen said in a press release.

According to European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinhová, the EU executive knew about Trump's 30 percent proposal in advance, before the US administration officially announced it, but she did not specify how long in advance Von der Leyen and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič knew about it.

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The EC head recalled that few economies in the world match the level of openness and adherence to fair trade practices of the European Union."The EU has consistently preferred to resolve the situation through a trade agreement with the US, which reflects our commitment to dialogue, stability and a constructive transatlantic partnership. We remain ready to continue working towards reaching this agreement by 1 August. At the same time, if necessary, we will take all necessary steps to protect EU interests, including taking appropriate countermeasures," Von der Leyen said at the end of her statement.

Šefčovič also shares the same text on his social media account.