WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has announced the possibility of slapping a 35% tariff on European Union (EU) goods if the bloc fails to uphold its trade commitments with the United States.

Speaking on trade policy, Trump emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to take strong reciprocal action under the United States Reciprocal Trade Act (H.R.735) — a legislative tool that permits the U.S. to match foreign tariff rates in an effort to correct long-standing trade imbalances.

"If the EU continues to impose unfair tariffs on American products, we will respond with equal or greater measures — up to 35%," Trump warned.

The proposal signals a sharp escalation in U.S.-EU trade tensions, with major implications for transatlantic commerce. The EU has yet to issue an official response, but economic analysts warn that a tariff war could further strain global markets and supply chains.

The Reciprocal Trade Act, first introduced to Congress during Trump’s earlier presidency, is designed to give the executive branch more authority in enforcing fair trade by imposing tariffs equivalent to those levied by foreign governments on American goods.