Trump announces 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico: effective August 1

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will impose a 30% tariff on goods from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1, 2025. This move has triggered strong reactions from these two major trading partners and added further uncertainty to global supply chains and market prospects.

Trump publicly shared two letters through his social media platform Truth Social, formally addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, announcing this new tariff policy.

Trump: Dissatisfied with EU and Mexico, New Tariffs Are Necessary Measures

In his letter to the Mexican President, Trump stated: "Mexico is indeed helping us strengthen border control, but not enough." Regarding the EU, he pointed out that European companies can avoid the impact of new tariffs by choosing to move production to the United States.

Trump emphasized that if the EU or Mexico chooses retaliatory tariffs, the U.S. will "directly add the increased tax rate to our 30%," clearly sending a tough signal.

EU: Will Take Retaliatory Measures to Protect Its Interests If Harmed

EU leader von der Leyen expressed regret, saying the new tariffs "will severely disrupt transatlantic supply chains and harm the interests of businesses, consumers, and patients on both sides," and emphasized that the EU is willing to continue seeking an agreement before August 1.

However, she also warned that if the U.S. insists on implementing the tariffs, the EU will "take all necessary measures to protect its own interests, including proportional countermeasures".

Mexican Government: Facing "Unfair Treatment", Strongly Expressing Opposing Stance

The Mexican government also expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that bilateral negotiations had already started on July 11, establishing a permanent working group to address trade issues. When informed about the new tariffs taking effect on August 1, Mexico immediately stated that "this is unfair treatment that the Mexican government cannot accept".

Trade Data Reveals Impact Scale: EU and Mexico Account for Nearly 1/3 of U.S. Imports

According to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) data:

• In 2022, U.S. imports from the EU totaled $553 billion, making it the largest regional trading partner;

• Imports from Mexico in the same year were approximately $454.8 billion;

• Together, they account for nearly one-third of U.S. imports, indicating the potential economic impact of the new tariffs.

Global "Tariff Storm" Escalates: Trump Has Sent Tariff Letters to 23 Countries This Week

The 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico are not an isolated incident. This week, Trump has sent notification letters to 23 trading partners, including Canada, Japan, and Brazil, previewing comprehensive import tariffs ranging from 20% to 50% starting August 1.

Trump emphasized that this is a necessary action to establish a "fair and reciprocal trade system". He stated in his letters that only through quick and decisive tariff measures can other countries be compelled to address trade imbalances.

UK and Vietnam Sign Preliminary Agreement, Avoiding August Tariff Wave

It is worth noting that Trump announced the "Liberation Day Tariff" on April 2nd, imposing a 10% tariff on almost all imported goods and higher tariffs on nearly 60 countries. The global market immediately fell into panic, with stock markets plummeting. Although Trump later announced a 90-day suspension of most tariff increases, as August 1st approaches, only the UK and Vietnam have reached a preliminary trade agreement with the US, escaping this round of sanctions. The UK agreed to a uniform 10% tax rate on its goods as a condition of the agreement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Saturday: "The UK team has shown sincerity and efficiency. This is a valuable negotiation lesson that other countries should learn from."

Trump: Other Countries Get Ready to "Pay 20%"!

Trump explicitly stated in an NBC interview last Thursday: "We will impose 15% or 20% tariffs on the remaining countries, with the specific number to be finalized soon." At the same time, Trump announced an extension of the tariff buffer period to August 1st and clearly indicated that a new global tariff system will be officially launched at that time. [Risk warning section and subsequent paragraphs about the Sanseitō party and Sohei Kamiya translated as requested]

• Tax reduction priority, rather than resource allocation
• Rebuild Japan with winning industries
• Oppose excessive foreign worker acceptance
• Ensure rice and food safety
• Use GoTo Travel to reduce medical costs
• Oppose WHO pandemic treaty on profitable drugs
• Abolish education system emphasizing academic achievement
• Provide 100,000 yen monthly subsidy per child
• Integrate philosophy into politics and establish constitution

When asked by the host why the Japanese priority appeal resonates, Kamiya stated this is a backlash against excessive globalization. He pointed out that under the globalized economy, Japan's middle class and families have been gradually marginalized, so the Sanseito party's proposal of prioritizing Japanese nationals is a call for social balance. He stated he does not reject globalization, but advocates taking care of one's own citizens, which is a necessary value balance.

Economic Reform: Active Fiscal Policy and Cryptocurrency Potential

Kamiya emphasized that the most pressing issue for the public is "economy and income", so the Sanseito party will promote low taxation and active fiscal measures. He advocates that the government should provide a 100,000 yen monthly childcare subsidy per child. Regarding Japan's fiscal issues, Kamiya responded: We should view fiscal innovation from an international perspective. With Japan's massive economic scale, we should be able to adopt innovative tools like digital currency or cryptocurrency issuance. If we continue to follow old rules, it will be difficult to implement new policies. We need entirely new methods to address these challenges. This concept aligns with the "sovereign digital currency" initiative proposed by Diet members like Matsuda, demonstrating the Sanseito party's open-minded approach to fiscal and monetary policies.

National Defense Autonomy and Nuclear Deterrence Debate

On defense policy, Kamiya expressed a strong stance of Japanese subjectivity. He believes Japan should re-examine its security agreement with the US and argues not excluding discussion of "some form of deterrence". While not explicitly supporting nuclear weapons, he stated that parliament should engage in such discussions rather than suppress them, emphasizing that it's not about US military immediately withdrawing, but about beginning more open discussions.

Controversy over Seemingly Discriminatory Remarks about Women

Kamiya was criticized for gender discrimination during the election for comments like "high-income women do not have children". On the program, he said he does not intend to apologize, merely pointing out social trends, but is willing to further explain and communicate if misunderstandings arise. He noted that if political figures completely avoid controversy, they cannot speak the truth, and sometimes must take risks to bring about change.

Japanese Trump? Inciting Populism?

Regarding comparisons to US President Trump, Kamiya said he agrees with some of Trump's policy positions, especially regarding national interests and economic priorities. On the populist label, he responded: if it means representing people's voices, he does not reject it. But he hopes people will listen carefully to his words, not just attach labels.

Kamiya Munehide and the Sanseito party represent a "bottom-up" new political force. Using the internet as their platform, with clear language, concrete policies, and a strong sense of crisis, they successfully attract young voters dissatisfied with the status quo. However, this direct style and radical claims are often accompanied by controversy. Right-wing populism is rising globally, with many supporters being young people, which is worth noting.