The EU has been a frequent target of Trump's criticism. On 2 April, he proposed a 20% tariff for goods from the bloc, as well as dozens of other trade partners. He then threatened to raise the EU import taxes to 50% as trade talks stalled.

Goods imported from both the European Union and Mexico will face a 30% U.S. tariff rate starting on August 1, U.S. President Donald Trump said in letters posted to his social media platform on Saturday.