Implemented tariffs to take effect on August 7, according to the US government official's statement.
In a significant development, the United States imposed a 15% tariff ceiling on most European Union (EU) imports as part of a trade deal announced on July 27, 2025. This agreement, which reduced the initially threatened 30% tariffs, came under a renewed tariff policy during the second term of President Trump.
The tariffs are part of President Trump's efforts to balance trade with other countries, with the decision affecting almost all tariffs imposed by his government, including country-specific trade barriers. The new tariffs are aimed at addressing perceived imbalances in trade, with Trump accusing affected trading partners of imposing high tariffs or not opening their markets enough for imports from the United States.
The 15% tariff on imports from the EU will take effect on August 7, 2025. Canada, however, is an exception, with a 35% tariff rate imposed on its imports to the United States, starting August 1. The White House published a list of almost 70 countries and the EU, for which certain tariff rates will apply. Countries not specifically listed in the tariff list will be subject to a flat tariff rate of 10%.
The U.S. government's authority to impose these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has been challenged in court. A panel of 11 judges heard an appeal on July 31, 2025, concerning the government’s authority to impose these tariffs. The judges appeared hesitant to uphold the government’s stance, indicating potential judicial pushback on the broad tariff measures.
The EU has launched a public consultation on countermeasures in response to these tariffs, which could include additional duties on U.S. imports if negotiations fail. The appeals court is still dealing with the legality of many of these tariffs, which were temporarily lifted in late May. A decision in this case could take weeks and potentially continue to the Supreme Court.
The new tariffs have fomented ongoing disputes and potential legal challenges. Some European leaders have criticised the agreement, feeling it disproportionately favours the U.S. The U.S., on the other hand, has justified the higher tariff on Canada due to insufficient efforts in combating drug trafficking.
As of August 7, 2022, no new tariffs as described were active yet. The more relevant active tariffs and associated legal challenges emerged much later, in mid-2025.
- The tariffs, affecting almost all sectors including finance, politics, and general-news, have intensified ongoing disputes between the United States and its trading partners, particularly the European Union.
- The legal challenges surrounding the tariffs, as per the international emergency economic powers act, have raised concerns in the industry and finance sectors, potentially impacting the economy and global trade relations.
