Trump Recommends 50% Tariff on EU Imports Starting June

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a recommendation for a 50% tariff on all goods imported from the European Union starting June 1, 2025, citing stalled trade negotiations and a significant U.S. trade deficit with the EU. Trump criticized the EU for its trade barriers, VAT taxes, and lawsuits against American companies, framing the tariffs as a measure to encourage domestic manufacturing. He also threatened a 25% tariff on Apple iPhones sold in the U.S. but not manufactured domestically, urging the company to move production back to the United States. The announcements triggered sharp declines in global markets, with European stocks tumbling and U.S. stock futures falling, particularly impacting technology shares including Apple. The move has raised questions about the potential impact on U.S. consumers, businesses, and the broader economy, with concerns about retaliation from the EU and increased costs. This escalation marks a more aggressive approach in U.S. trade policy, emphasizing coercion over negotiation and signaling a push to restructure global supply chains.