US President, Donald Trump has today, July 12, announced 30% tariffs on all EU products exported to the US, starting on August 1, 2025.

In a social media post this afternoon, President Trump posted a letter he has sent to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von Der Leyen.

Last week, Tuesday, July 8, President Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for the imposition on reciprocal tariffs on a range of trading partners, including the European Union, until August 1.

In his letter to the European Commission, the US president said: "We have had years to discuss our trading relationship with the European Union, and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent trade deficits.

"Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge the European Union a tariff of only 30% on EU products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs.

"Please understand that the 30% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with the EU," President Trump added.

According to President Trump, the US will not put tariffs on the EU, or companies within the EU, if those companies decide to manufacture products from "within the United States".

In his letter, President Trump said that the EU will "allow complete open market access to the United States", with no tariffs being charged on EU products.

He said: "If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs and retaliate, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, we will add onto the 30% that 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, which cause the large and unsustainable trade deficits against the United States," the US president added.

In a statement this afternoon, the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said that he hopes negotiations with the US will continue.

He said: "The EU and the US enjoy the biggest trade and investment relationship in the world. When issues arise between us, they should be resolved by close and respectful dialogue.

"While it has been clear that all options remain on the table, the EU has also been clear that our preference is for a negotiated solution that avoids escalation. That remains the case," the Taoiseach added.

The Taoiseach also believes that that the EU and the US should "be partners, not rivals", and said that EU negotiators will have his "full support".