Donald Trump has called for a 50 per cent tariff on all European Union imports.
The US President accused the EU of exploiting the United States and said trade talks had collapsed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the bloc uses "powerful trade barriers," "unjustified lawsuits," and "monetary manipulations" to gain an unfair advantage.
He claimed these tactics have created a $250bn annual trade deficit with the US, a figure he described as "totally unacceptable."
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere,” he added.
The post came minutes after Trump said that Apple would have to pay tariffs "of at least 25 per cent" if iPhones for the American market are not manufactured in the U.S.
Trump said: "Our discussions with them are going nowhere"
GettyTrump said the proposed 50 per cent tariff would take effect from June 1, 2025 and apply to all goods made outside the United States. Products manufactured within the US would be exempt.
He wrote: "The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with.
"Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable.
"Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50 per cent Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Though not official policy, the announcement has triggered alarm in global trade circles
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Though not official policy, the announcement has triggered alarm in global trade circles.
Analysts warn the move could escalate tensions with Brussels and spark retaliation, risking a trade war between two of the world’s largest economies.
Key industries that could be hit include automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. European leaders have not yet responded to the remarks.
Donald has also warned that Apple could face new tariffs on iPhones unless the tech giant moves its manufacturing operations to the United States, a move that could push up smartphone prices by hundreds of dollars.
The President said he would impose a 25 per cent import duty on any iPhones built abroad. "I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States. Not India, or anyplace else."
At present, smartphones are exempt from the most severe US tariffs on Chinese imports.
APPLE PRESS OFFICE"If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25 per cent must be paid by Apple to the US," he added in the same post.
Apple currently assembles most of its iPhones in China through its supplier Foxconn, but ongoing trade tensions with Beijing have led the company to diversify production. It now plans to manufacture a growing share of iPhones for the US market in India.
While some White House officials have backed the idea of a fully American-made iPhone, experts say it remains economically unfeasible. A US-assembled model could cost significantly more than current devices.
Dan Ives, a tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, called the idea of a US-made iPhone a “fairytale concept.” He warned that a 25 per cent tariff on Indian-assembled models would likely force Apple to raise prices for consumers.
At present, smartphones are exempt from the most severe US tariffs on Chinese imports.
