Washington, 12 July 2025 (dpa/MIA) - US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he will impose 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union starting August 1.

Trump posted on Truth Social a picture of the letter he sent European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing the levy.

In the letter, he complained of the "long-term, large and persistent" trade deficit the US runs with the EU, accusing the 27-nation bloc of unfair trade policies and barriers.

Trump wrote that his administration would drop the high tariff rate if "the European Union, or countries within the EU, decide to build or manufacture within the United States."

Trump has fired off a barrage of letters this week to foreign leaders informing them of steep new tariffs he intends to impose on their goods as of August 1.