EU vows response to Trump's 30% tariff announcement

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc would "continue working" toward an agreement by August 1 and remained ready to take all "necessary" steps to safeguard EU interests.

Von der Leyen was responding to news about the US having slapped a higher tariff rate, of 30% on EU goods coming into the US, which is higher than the rate US President Donald Trump said would apply in April.

Follow for more developments on Trump's tariffs on the EU with reactions from the bloc's leaders on July 12:

07/12/2025July 12, 2025

EU says ready to continue working toward a deal after Trump threatens 30% tariffs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is prepared to take the necessary steps to safeguard its economic interests if the US proceeds with imposing a 30% tariff rate on EU exports.

Von der Leyen, who heads the EU's executive arm, said in a statement that the bloc remained ready "to continue working towards an agreement by Aug 1."

"Few economies in the world match the European Union's level of openness and adherence to fair trading practices," she continued.

"We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required."  

07/12/2025July 12, 2025

Welcome to our blog

Good afternoon and welcome to our Saturday coverage following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 30% tariff rate on all goods coming into the US from the EU.

The EU was bracing for the announcement since it failed to strike a trade deal with the US after it said it would levy a 20% import tax, or tariff, on EU goods in April, aimed at reducing the US trade deficit.

Follow along as we bring you the latest updates and reactions in this new chapter of the Trump tariffs saga.