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.

The United States will start charging 30% tariffs on August 1 on products coming into the country from the European Union and Mexico, President Donald Trump confirmed in separate letters Saturday.