Trump's tariffs

USA

Tariffs, the text of Trump's letter to the EU

12 July 2025

2' min read

Here is the full text of Donald Trump's letter to Ursula von der Leyen threatening tariffs at 30% to the European Union from 1 August:

"Dear Madam President, It is a great honour for me to send you this letter, as it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our trade relations and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue to cooperate with the European Union, despite one of our largest trade deficits with you.

Nevertheless, we decided to go ahead, but only with a more balanced and fair COMMERCE.

Therefore, we invite you to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, by far the number one market in the world.

We have had years to discuss our trade relations with the European Union, and we have concluded that we must abandon these long-term, extensive and persistent trade deficits generated by yourtariff and non-tariff policies and your trade barriers.

Our relations have, unfortunately, been anything but mutual.

As of 1 August 2025, we will apply a tariff of only 30% on EU products shipped to the US, separate from all sectoral tariffs.

Goods transhipped to circumvent a higher customs tariff will be subject to that higher customs tariff.

Please understand that 30% is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit gap we have with the EU.

As you know, there will be no tariffs if the EU, or companies within the EU, decide to build or produce products in the US, and, in fact, we will do everything we can to obtain permits quickly, professionally and regularly - in other words, within a matter of weeks.

The EU will allow full and open access to the US market, without charging us tariffs, in an attempt to reduce the high trade deficit.

If for any reason you decide to increase your rates and react, the amount, whatever increase you choose, will be added to the 30% we charge.

Please understand that these tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of European Union tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers that cause the increasing and unsustainable trade deficits in the United States.

This deficit represents a gserious threat to our economy and, indeed, to our national security! We look forward to working with you as your trading partner for many years to come.

If you wish to open your hitherto closed trade markets to the United States and eliminate your tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers, we may consider an amendment to this letter.

These tariffs could be modified, upwards or downwards, depending on our relationship with your country.

You will never be disappointed with the United States of America.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

With best wishes,

Donald J. Trump'.