Trump threatens trade war with 50% EU tariff and smart phone levy

Mace | 24th May 2025 | International, Washington
Usa,And,Eu,Flags,On,A,Concrete,Wall.,Usa,And

Donald Trump has threatened a 50% tariff on all EU imports and a 25% levy on non-US-manufactured iPhones, triggering sharp market losses and EU warnings of retaliation. Apple shares plunged, and European indices dipped as fears of renewed trade war disruptions rattled investors and strained transatlantic economic relations.

On 23 May 2025, President Donald Trump threatened impose a 50% tariff on all European Union (EU) imports starting 1 June, citing a trade deficit exceeding $250 billion and accusing the EU of unfair trade practices. In addition, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones and other smartphones not manufactured in the United States, directly impacting companies like Apple and Samsung. Apple's stock declined by over 3% following the announcement, erasing approximately $70 billion in market value. European markets also reacted negatively, with Germany’s DAX falling 1.5%, France’s CAC 40 down 1.7%, and the pan-European Stoxx 600 nearly 1% lower. The European Union expressed readiness to defend its interests, emphasising that trade relations should be guided by mutual respect rather than threats. Trump's tariff threats have introduced significant uncertainty into global markets, affecting investor confidence and prompting discussions on potential retaliatory measures from the EU....

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Hail to the Chief Junk Foodie

Emily Hill | October 14, 2020

Catering for the top man in the White House? You can give René Redzepi the night off– Mr Trump’s tastes are as basic as his politics

Diplomat from Down Under: George Brandis

Mace | January 24, 2020

Australia’s top envoy in London reflects on moving from politics to diplomacy and on the deep historical ties that bind his country with the United Kingdom.

The Strategist: at home in DC with Steve Bannon

William Cash | January 16, 2020

In an exclusive from DC, William Cash finds Steve Bannon in combative form as he reveals what he’s learnt about strategy from Thucydides

Steve Bannon Campaign Hashtag Digital