Trump Considers Steep Tariffs on EU Amid Escalating Trade Tensions

WASHINGTON — On May 23, President Trump issued a stark warning of a potential 50% tax on imports from the European Union and a hefty 25% tariff on Apple products if iPhones aren’t manufactured in the United States.

This social media outburst highlights Trump’s knack for shaking up global markets with just a few keystrokes. Though, it also underscores that his tariffs haven’t quite delivered the trade agreements or domestic manufacturing revival he promised his supporters.

The president expressed frustration over stalled negotiations with the EU—an ally—while proposing higher import taxes than those imposed on China. Recently, tariffs on Chinese goods where reduced to facilitate talks between Washington and Beijing. Trump’s irritation stems from Europe’s insistence on eliminating tariffs entirely while he maintains that at least a baseline tax of 10% should remain in place for most imports.

pic.twitter.com/ftb9sjlkCo — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) may 23, 2025

The tweet about EU tariffs came right before he targeted Apple specifically. The tech giant now finds itself alongside other major corporations like Amazon and Walmart as thay navigate through the economic uncertainty created by these new trade policies. p >

“I’ve made it clear to Tim Cook that I expect all iPhones sold in America to be made here—not in India or anywhere else,” Trump stated. “If not, Apple will face at least a 25% tariff.”  p >

this comes as Apple was already considering moving some production to India due to previous tariffs imposed by Trump targeting China—a move that has clearly frustrated him further during recent international trips. p >

The stock market reacted negatively following Trump’s announcements today. p >

For more insights and updates, check out today’s daily briefing below or visit our website for additional details: p >