The European Commission responded to Trump's announcement in a written statement, saying it remains ready to reach an agreement, while also taking "necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.

European leaders had been trying to negotiate more favorable terms for months. They may retaliate with tariffs of their own.

The decision, posted in letters on his social media platform, has drawn concern and criticism from political and industry leaders across Europe and the United States.

Besides the 27-member EU bloc and Mexico, Trump sent similar letters to 23 other nations this week, including the northern neighbour Canada and allies Japan and South Korea

President Donald Trump has officially delayed imposing higher tariffs on US imports, while sending letters to 14 countries including Japan and South Korea detailing the levies they face. The latest development comes as a 90-day pause the White House placed on some of its most aggressive import taxes was set to expire this week.

The US economy is expected to slow the rest of the year as tariffs take a bigger toll on consumers and businesses, immigration constraints intensify

The US has pitched a new tariff deal to the European Union that would keep a 10% flat rate on all incoming goods, but with exceptions for aircraft and

President Trump sent tariff letters to more than 20 countries urging them to reach trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1, further escalating threats to partners including Canada. Trump also announced a 50% tariff on copper imports.