European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday voiced the EU's readiness to continue working toward a trade agreement with the United States before the Aug. 1 deadline, after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on EU and Mexican imports. "We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1. At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," von der Leyen said in a written statement. Trump's declaration, delivered in letters to von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and published on his Truth Social account, revealed that the US would begin imposing a 30% tariff on goods imported from both the EU and Mexico starting next month. Von der Leyen emphasized the EU's longstanding commitment to a "negotiated" solution and stressed that few global economies can match the bloc's level of "openness and adherence to fair trading practices." "Imposing 30 percent tariffs on EU exports would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic," she warned. While Trump cited persistent trade deficits and unequal terms in his letter, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's position as a reliable and rules-based trading partner. She reiterated that the bloc will not hesitate to take responsive action to protect its economic interests if talks collapse. The tariff threat has cast serious doubts over the future of US-EU trade talks, which were expected to result in a new comprehensive deal this month. — Agencies
