In response, von der Leyen said the EU remains “ready to continue working towards an agreement” by the 1 August deadline.

But, she said, a 30% tariff on EU exports would hurt supply chains, businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

Speaking to Just Style, Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of EURATEX, said: “President Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on EU products poses a serious threat not only to Europe’s textile and fashion industry, but to the integrity of transatlantic trade. It places an unsustainable burden on €7.4bn ($8.65bn) worth of EU exports, risks distorting our internal market through redirected low-cost imports, and undermines consumer confidence at a time when economic stability is urgently needed. We urge policymakers on both sides to prioritise open, fair, and rules-based trade.” 

Meanwhile Mexico’s economy minister said in a post on X the new tariff rate would be “unfair” and that it would work with the US to find an “alternative to protect businesses and jobs on both sides of the border.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government would continue to protect his country’s workers and businesses as they head towards the new deadline.

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