BlogHear News | May 22, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is recommending a 50% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union, effective June 1, 2025. The announcement was made via a social media post, where Trump criticized the pace and progress of ongoing trade talks with EU leaders.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” he wrote, adding that the tariff would apply to all EU imports unless they are manufactured in the United States.
Trade War Intensifies
This move marks a significant increase from the initially proposed 20% tariff, which was temporarily lowered to 10% in hopes of facilitating negotiations. With talks at a standstill, the decision to raise tariffs could have sweeping implications for global trade and economic relations between the U.S. and the EU.
Apple in the Crosshairs
In the same announcement, President Trump warned Apple that it may face a 25% tariff on iPhones and other products not made in the U.S.. The warning follows Apple’s recent decision to shift most of its iPhone production for the U.S. market to India, with Vietnam also becoming a key hub for manufacturing devices like iPads and Apple Watches.
“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,” Trump said. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
Global Reactions and Economic Impact
Tariffs are import taxes paid by companies bringing foreign goods into the country, which often leads to higher prices for consumers. The possibility of a 50% tariff on EU goods has raised alarms among global leaders and industry analysts, who fear the move could disrupt international supply chains and strain U.S. relationships with key allies.
Apple has not issued an official response to the President’s remarks. Earlier this month, CEO Tim Cook had announced the company’s expanded production in India as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
The EU has yet to respond formally to the new tariff threat, but officials in Brussels are expected to meet soon to assess potential countermeasures.
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