Trump Threatens 30% Tariff on European Goods Effective August 1, Prompting EU Rethink Amid Criticism from Klingbeil and Karlsbro

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 30% tariff on European goods starting August 1, 2025. This measure is expected to severely disrupt transatlantic trade, potentially dismantling large segments of commerce between the US and Europe and forcing the European Union to reconsider its export-driven economic model. European officials, including German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Member of the European Parliament Karin Karlsbro, have criticized the tariffs, calling for a fair deal and a strong EU response. The tariffs come amid broader US trade policies that have affected global markets, with economists debating their impact on inflation in the US and growth in China. European stakeholders remain concerned about the economic fallout and are exploring potential reactions to the tariffs, while analysts suggest that President Trump may escalate trade tensions further.