EU, US Tariffs Threaten Jobs, Raise Food Prices Across Atlantic

President Trump announced 30% tariffs on European Union goods and a 17% tariff on fresh tomatoes from Mexico, set to take effect on August 1 unless new trade deals are reached. These tariffs threaten to raise prices on a wide range of products in the U.S., including European wines, cheeses, pasta, cars, and pharmaceuticals, potentially leading to shortages and significant cost increases for American consumers. The European Union, Italy’s wine industry, German manufacturers, and other trade groups have condemned the tariffs, warning of job losses, investment risks, and severe impacts on exports, particularly in high-value sectors like Tuscan wine, fashion, and artisanal goods. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly criticized the tomato tariffs for raising food prices and risking jobs, while the U.S. Commerce Secretary defended the move as protection against unfair trade practices. The EU has held off on retaliatory tariffs but is preparing $100 billion in countermeasures targeting U.S. goods such as soybeans and bourbon. The escalating trade tensions pose economic risks on both sides of the Atlantic, with threatened job losses and destabilized industries in Europe and increased costs for American consumers.