AP Washington 

US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he’s levying tariffs of 30% against the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. In his letter to Mexico’s leader, Trump acknowledged the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl. But he said the country has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a “narco-trafficking play­ground.” “Mexico has been helping me secure the border, but, what Mexico has done, is not enough,” he said.

Trump in his letter to the EU said the US trade deficit was a national security threat. “We have had years to discuss our trade relationship with the EU, and we have concluded we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, trade deficits, engendered by your tariff, and non-tariff, policies, and trade barriers,” Trump wrote.

“Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen replied by noting the bloc’s “commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership.” “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”